Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth; but in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that control him. (PP 567.3)
Reading Plan, Week 10
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapters: 53–58
Monday: 543.1–555.6
Tuesday: 556.1–566.4
Wednesday: 567.1–578.3
Thursday: 579.1–589.4
Friday: 590.1–602.1
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 53: The Earlier Judges
Complacent in their new land, the Israelites drift away from God and are caught by their enemies, unprepared and unprotected. Yet every time Israel repents of their unfaithfulness, God provides deliverers, and Gideon accepts this call. Gently led by his Creator from fear to victory, Gideon is gracious and humble, but peace and power prove to be as treacherous as war.
How do you battle spiritual complacency?
What fears can you bring to God today?
Chapter 54: Samson
When an angel announces the birth of another deliverer, his prospective parents ask God how to raise such a child. Their son Samson is bound by a sacred vow and gifted with superhuman strength, but he proves to be a reluctant hero who resists God’s plan as much as he follows it. Caught between his desires and his duty, Samson’s tragedy and triumph and ultimate redemption exemplify God’s grace and sin’s dangers for children of the Kingdom.
Watch for how God brings victory out of Samson’s failures. When has God done this in your life?
What desires do you have that fight against your responsibilities in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Chapter 55: The Child Samuel
Crushed by the pressures of her culture and dysfunctional family, Hannah begs God for a child. When her prayers are answered, Hannah fulfills her vow to give the boy to the service of God, and the seeds of a new era in Israel are planted by a mother’s guidance and her love for her son.
What cultural pressures and expectations are distressing you? How can you bring these to God today?
How can you consciously pass your faith on to the next generation?
Chapter 56: Eli and his Sons
God’s High Priest ignores the evils committed by his two sons, choosing to protect the reputation of his family and cover up their actions rather than follow his duty to God. Unrestrained by their father, Hophni and Phineas corrupt the redemptive worship of the Tabernacle. Neglect and spiritual cowardice cause Israel to spiral further from God’s plan.
Where do you need spiritual courage today?
How do your actions and attitudes reflect the God you serve to others?
Chapter 57: The Ark Taken by the Philistines
As war looms for Israel, God reaches out to Samuel with a dire warning of judgment. His words go unheeded and when Israel makes a blasphemous play for victory, the Ark of the Covenant is lost. The victorious Philistines get more than they bargain for, however, and both nations must come to terms with the God who cannot be owned.
Both Israel and Philistia see God’s power and yet avoid surrendering to their Creator. What tactics do you use to avoid surrendering to your Heavenly King?
What rites and rituals might you be using to stand in for a genuine conversation with God?
Chapter 58: The Schools of the Prophets
While the family was the primary source of education in his day, as Israel’s new spiritual leader, Samuel establishes two schools to resist further corruption of his people’s understanding of God. Combining daily labor with prayer, song, and study, these schools model principles of education that are applicable to our learning today.
Balancing our physical, mental and spiritual growth can be challenging. What steps can you take this week to promote this balance in your life?
Where do you see God’s handwriting in the world around you right now?
What songs consistently touch your heart and draw you close to God?