Bible Thoughts

March 28, 1999

The Philistines were the enemies of God's people. They were pursuing every method to try to prevent any leader from arising within Israel that would be a threat to their control (Judges 14:4b). Their intimidation so affected the men of Judah that they devised a scheme to deliver Samson, who was a thorn in the side of the Philistines, into the hands of Israel's enemies. Binding Samson with "two new ropes," the weak and spineless Jewish leaders delivered him into the hands of the Philistines. When the Philistines thought they now had Samson where they wanted him, their shoutings were short lived(Judges 15:14). The man of strength caused the new ropes to drop as burned flax from his arms.

Samson still lacked a weapon to oppose the Philistines. Finding the "fresh jawbone of an ass," he slew one thousand of the enemies of Israel. Following his victory psalm, he threw the weapon away. After all, it was not a sword of iron nor a spear or any other weapon used in the battles of that day. It was a discarded bone of an animal. Samson, however, put it to proper use and defeated those who would kill him.

Samson is an example of a person using what one has. The only weapon that was available would have been entirely unsatisfactory to any soldier in any army. The jawbone of an ass? And yet--with the strength he had and the determination to conquer the Philistines, Samson was able to put to nought the aims of those who desired to put an end to his life.

Learning to use what one has should be the goal of any person who serves Jehovah. Samson did not have the finest weapons available to him; he did not have the rigid military training that many had in his day; he had been offered by his own people to the enemy; and all that was left was a jawbone of a dead animal. Without complaint and without hesitation, Samson used what he had.

Without God's blessings and help, even Samson could not have won that battle. In spite of Samson's failings, he was the judge of God's people, and the Lord was going to protect him and assist him in defeating the uncircumcised Philistines.

One may not have the wealth of some; one may not have the mental abilities of some; one may not have the opportunities some are offered--but--one can use what one has. Why not take an appraisal of yourself? It could be surprising what is available if one will only take the time to examine his/her abilities and opportunities. Perhaps you are the teacher that is needed to guide someone to the truth or to instruct a Bible class. Perhaps you are the influence that can lead someone to Christ. Perhaps you are the one who has to power to encourage others in moments of despair. Perhaps you are the one to help an erring brother return to the Lord. It is easy to sell oneself short. Most people have more going for them than they are willing to admit. Why not take a good, long look at yourself and resolve, with all of your heart, to use what you have?

The word "redeeming" in this scripture literally means "buying up the opportunity." Such is accomplished by walking as the "wise."

Have you ever thought about how some people seem to accomplish so much in the Lord's service? Paul is giving the Ephesians an insight into how to be as those who are successful Christians. Such disciples are being careful, looking for opportunities, as well as remembering that "the days are evil."

Opportunities come to those who seek such. One must look around to see what needs to be done and find some way to do it. Do not hesitate to ask other Christians about opportunities for service. Listen carefully to the announcements that are made at services--perhaps someone needs help that you can give. Observe who is not present for a service and give them a call. See a visitor? Go introduce yourself and talk to them, making them welcome. Don't stand back--buy up the opportunity.

Aware of something that will improve our service? Share the idea. Know someone who needs teaching? Teach them or let one of the brethren know. See where improvement can be made? Let others know about it.

Opportunities often come only once. Take advantage of such when they arise. Do not stand and wish that you could do something--look for ways to do it. On the other hand, there are opportunities that occur many times in one's lifetime. The opportunity to do good, to help others, to be an example, to be with brethren, to teach the alien and the erring, etc.--these all occur over and over. While there is time, buy up the opportunity to serve the Lord.