Samson was a Nazirite, a person set apart to serve God in a special way. He was given special abilities for the task; in Samson’s case it was unusual strength. As a sign of his covenant, he was never to cut his hair. If he did it would break the agreement with God, and he would forfeit his strength.

Samson was reckless with his commitment to God, and because of his foolishness his hair was cut while he slept, and his strength left him. The sad words of the Bible say, “He did not know that the Lord had left him.” Soon he was seized, blinded, and put on display: The strongest man in God’s service was made to be the weakest because of sin.

“Then Samson prayed to the Lord” (verse 28). This is the only reference to Samson praying. It is a good thing when we finally realize our need for God.

The Bible says that the hair of his head began to grow again. There is no other word for that than GRACE. Samson’s hair grew and his strength returned. Samson died, but not before he performed his greatest feat of strength as a display of God’s grace. The weakest person in God’s service is stronger than the most powerful enemy when he/she prays.

Are there times when Samson’s story is our story? Have we ever lost our strength because we recklessly broke covenant with God? Thank God for His redeeming Love. We do not have to be chained to yesterday’s sin for another day.

“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace.”