The Devil Never Takes a Vacation
And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither.
And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in
the gate of the city and were quiet all the night, saying,
In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.
Judges 16:2
Read Judges 16:1-3
Without asking for God’s approval, Samson went into the lion’s den, the fortified
Philistine city of Gaza. He listened to the baser influences of his fleshy
lusts and entered the home of a prostitute. However, his presence in the enemy’s
camp did not remain unnoticed. The Philistines took prompt action.
Gaza was sealed off to trap Samson. The enemy waited for the right moment
to pounce on their prey. They not only kept an eye out for Samson himself,
but they also looked for the opportunity to make him powerless.
Do you realize that the arch-enemy of God’s church never stands still, but is
on the lookout to destroy you, especially when you are involved in inappropriate
activities? Satan’s intention is to totally destroy you, just as the Philistines
sought Samson’s ruin. He not only aims at your daily life, but ultimately
at your immortal soul. On this occasion Samson was able to avoid capture. But, how can you be
sure of escaping the devil’s clutches?
Thought: Take care how you use your spare time, including where you will
spend it.
Psalter 385:1, 2 (based on Psalm 140)
Deliver me from evil, Preserve me, Lord, from wrong;
Against the foes that gather, Be Thou my helper strong.
From those who plot to hurt me And spread their treacherous snare
Preserve me Lord, and keep me Safe-guarded in Thy care.
O Lord, I have confessed Thee To be my God alone;
O hear my supplication And be Thy mercy shown;
O God the Lord, my Saviour, My shield amid the strife,
Let not the wicked triumph, Who plot against my life.
