Samson Returns

Introduction

I grew up watching different comic book heroes turned to television series. One such character was Batman. Batman is a fictional superhero that appeared in American comic books published by DC Comics...in 1939. Originally named the "Bat-Man", the character is also referred to by such epithets as the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and the World's Greatest Detective.

Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne as a child, he swore vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Bruce Wayne trains himself physically and intellectually and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime.

The character was created...and first appeared in Detective Comics #27, in 1939. Originally named the "Bat-Man", the character is also referred to by such epithets as the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, and the World's Greatest Detective.

Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents Dr. Thomas Wayne and Martha Wayne as a child, he swore vengeance against criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Bruce Wayne trains himself physically and intellectually and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime.[6]

Batman operates in the fictional Gotham City with assistance from various supporting characters, including his trusted butler Alfred, police commissioner Gordon, and vigilante allies such as Robin, the Boy Wonder.

Batman operates in the fictional Gotham City with assistance from various supporting characters, including his butler Alfred, police commissioner Gordon, and vigilante allies such as Robin. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman's rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker., and vigilante allies such as Robin. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman's rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker.

Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers; rather, he relies on his genius intellect, physical prowess, martial arts abilities, detective skills, science and technology, vast wealth, intimidation, and indomitable will. A large assortment of villains make up Batman's rogues gallery, including his archenemy, the Joker, Cat Woman, the Riddler, Penguin...

The writer of Judges’ purpose in the text is to show how Samson returned and bounced back from a bad situation. This text is tailored to teach us that you can bounce back from your setback!

When we leave here today we want, not only our men to know, but all persons to know that you have not, cannot fall down so far, and so low that you cannot make a come back!

In the Book of Judges the children of Israel, according to Pastor John Hannah, experienced a 5-S Circle: Sin-Slavery-Supplication-Salvation (deliverance)-Silence (no warfare, a Season of Silence).

Israel had been delivered by God into the “hand of Philistines for 40 years.” Samson had been destined and designated before he was born as a Nazarite (, “Laws Regarding a Nazarite.”)

Separation from the wine/strong drink (e.g.: Bloody Mary, Blue Lagoon, Black Russian, Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Daiquiri, Gin & Tonic, Red Sangria, Tequila Sunrise, Manhattan, Seven & Seven, etc ),

No razor to come on his head (e.g.: no high fades, low fades, temple fades, taper fades, bald fades, blow out fades, designs in the hair),

No contact with dead bodies (e.g.: don’t hang around dead people and dead stuff; hang people that have LIFE!)

Samson was a Nazarite.

I. The Capture of Samson (20-21)

We gain from these verses that some of your worst hurt can come from those you love the most.

(20) It is possible to be routine with the antics and actions of worship, and not realize that God has abandoned you.

(20)Samson was dejected/rejected; desertion/departure; desistance/desertion.

(21) Took him (lost control); gouged his eyes out (no vision); took him DOWN to Gaza; (a low place); shackled him in irons; put him to work grinding in the prison (demeaning) (Grinding in the E is usually done by women (cf. ). - J. D. Douglas, “Grinder,” ed. D. R. W. Wood et al., New Bible Dictionary (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 436.)

Grinding in the E is usually done by women (cf. ).

They gouged out Samson’s eyes.

J. D. Douglas, “Grinder,” ed. D. R. W. Wood et al., New Bible Dictionary (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 436.)

J. D. Douglas, “Grinder,” ed. D. R. W. Wood et al., New Bible Dictionary (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 436.)

II. The Celebration over Samson’s Capture (23-25)

Additionally, we glean from this text inasmuch as people celebrate your blessings, there are some who celebrate your burdens.

(23-24) The enemy is now celebrating their “god” as a result of the failure of Samson. They started bragging on their “god” Dagon.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Dagon

DAGON—little fish; diminutive from dag = a fish, the fish-god; the national god of the Philistines (Judg. 16:23). This idol had the body of a fish with the head and hands of a man. It was an Assyrio-Babylonian deity, the worship of which was introduced among the Philistines through Chaldea. The most famous of the temples of Dagon were at Gaza (Judg. 16:23–30)

(25) Samson entertains the Philistines.

The Philistines worshipped an idol god named Dagon.

III. The Cry of Samson (26-30)

Thirdly, we gather from the text that we can come back from a setback!

(26-27) When returning back to God, we must put ourselves in a position to be receive God’s blessings!

(28) Samson’s Cry:

Recognition of God

Repentance

Request of strength

Request for Revenge

(29-30) Samson’s Return

“I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, but the master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I. Love lifted me…when nothing else love lifted...”

Samson wanted revenge on the Philistines.

Conclusion

In the message today, one of the most important points is that we can make a come back from our set back!

Just as Samson had his last words…so did Jesus!

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.

Today you will be with me in paradise.

Behold your son: behold your mother.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I thirst.

It is finished.

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.