Everybody knows the story of Samson, right? Wasn’t he the guy who was supernaturally strong because he had long hair. . . but he fell in love with a prostitute who betrayed him, whacked off his hair, which caused him to lose his strength and ultimately, his freedom?

Yes and no. There’s actually much, much more to Samson’s biography than that. Samson is a warning to the gifted and blessed, not to become egotistical or presumptuous – to instead, use our blessings to the glory of God. Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)

While very few of us would boast of Herculean strength, the truth is, we’ve been given much – so much. Do you enjoy reasonably good health? Do you have a family who loves and cares about you? How about good friends? Solid church? Food on the table every day? We really have been given much.

And of course, of even much greater significance than all of these combined is the gracious gift of salvation. We are blessed indeed! How would God have us use those blessings?

Beginning this Sunday, I’ll take a shot at answering that question and more. We’re kicking off a short three week study of the life of Samson. Want to read ahead? Check out Judges 13-16. Would you do one other thing? Bring a friend! Who can you invite?