Samson's hair - a picture of God's gift of righteousness to all who are in Christ.

In life today, especially in the church, we have Premier League-like tables of righteousness where believers in Crystal Palace are seen as "core sinners" and condemned for not playing well enough and only the pastors and leaders SEEM TO play for Manchester City! This league table is a picture of man's ability to do good and avoid sinning (keep the law) but the truth is no one can be made righteous in the sight of God by scoring goals on this table (keeping the law.)

No matter how many goals one scores, it can win no trophies. See Galatians 3:11 - "But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident,..."

Also Romans 3:20- "For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are."

May the Lord open our eyes to see His Truth! Telling people that it is their ability to stop sinning and how well they keep the law that makes them righteous or saved is like Samson thinking that he can be strong and do exploits without his hair. His hair was a gift, as is our righteousness in Christ. Just as Samson's hair was the source of his power to triumph over all who came against him, God's gift of righteousness to us makes us able to live in triumph over sin and death - Romans 5:17 - 

"For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, Jesus Christ."

See 2 Corinthians 5:21- "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Jesus took our sins and gave us His righteousness. In Him, our Lord God sees us as righteous, without spot or blemish. Romans 5:19 tells us that we are made righteous by "one Man's obedience." Never by our own puny efforts at playing well or scoring goals on the league table of the Ten Commandments. This gift of righteousness frees us from condemnation. It is Christ's gift of "Neither do I condemn you" that makes us "go and sin no more."

Never forget your gift of righteousness that you have as a born-again Christian. Without his hair (God's free gift that made him invincible,) Samson was easy prey to the Philistines. Like Samson, many believers have been shorn of their gift of righteousness in Christ and are blinded and imprisoned (to and by the law and thus sin.) Such believe that it is their ability to keep the Ten Commandments that makes them saved and victorious. This is akin to a bald Samson thinking that he can do anything at all by his own power. Under the law, there is only the curse and judgment!

Like Samson, many in the church have been reduced to blind prison grinders, going around in circles 24/7, living life by their priests' rules and regulations and shuttling from one deliverance session to the other in search of salvation that is within their grasp. It is a lot of motion without much movement; a lot of activity without much progress, just like Samson working the grinder in his Gaza prison. Even the smallest Philistine child with a whip could do plenty of damage to him! Believers, let's not be found here.

There is no rest that Jesus promised here. No “My peace I give to you.” No “Let not your heart be troubled….” No “free indeed.” It is a non-stop cycle of fear, anxiety, stress and attacks.

But Samson's hair grew back, as those who have missed the Way can still, by God's grace, enjoy what is rightfully ours as joint heirs with Christ - the gift of His righteousness. By God's grace, forsake your own righteousnesses that proceed from the letter that kills, But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. His righteousness, not ours. It is a gift, like Samson's hair. Receive it by faith and not only will you live in triumph over sin, you will do exploits!