09 AUGUST

THE SCARLET CORD (3)

“And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.(Judges 16:30)

The scarlet cord is a sign of love, deliverance, fulfilment of God’s purpose and salvation of God’s people. In Samson’s case, he had been set apart to fulfil God’s purpose in delivering the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines. However, as a result of his poor judgement and disobedience, he went into captivity. He was disgraced, mocked and blinded. Finally, he repented, prayed for and paid the ultimate price of death, albeit unnecessarily, but thereby fulfilled God’s purpose for his life.

Love is strong as death (Song 8:6). The scarlet cord of the love of God ties us around for our own good, to prevent us from getting into sin and evil. The power of the resurrection from the Holy Spirit within us is like Samson’s strength that is strong enough to break the cord of evil and death. The choice is ours. As long as we are in right relationship with Jesus Christ, and have not grieved the Holy Spirit to depart from us, we have the power to break the cords of sin and choose holiness, as well as victory, over the wiles and devices of evil.

On the other hand, we can choose to look at the “restrictions” of the Christian life and break the cords of love. The consequence, however, is that we become vulnerable to the attack of sin and the enemy, like Samson. May we be wise in our choice.

ACTION: Resolve not to take the love of God for granted or make His grace of no effect in your life.

PRAYER: Knowing that God’s presence does not overwhelm a person’s will, Lord, help me to submit my will to your will and purpose always.