What lessons can we learn from Samson's burial about respecting God's servants? Setting the Scene “Then his brothers and his father’s whole household went down and carried him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had judged Israel twenty years.” (Judges 16:31) Respect Expressed Through Tangible Honor • Samson’s body is not left in Philistine hands; his family risks the journey to retrieve it. • A dignified burial acknowledges that, whatever his failures, Samson was the Lord’s judge (Judges 13:5). • Similar honor is seen when the men of Jabesh-gilead rescue Saul’s body (1 Samuel 31:11-13). God’s servants deserve respect even when their lives ended in apparent defeat. Family and Community Responsibility • “His brothers and his father’s whole household” take action—respect for God’s servants begins at home. • 1 Timothy 5:17: “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor.” Care is a shared duty. • Galatians 6:6 calls believers to “share all good things with the one who teaches,” showing that honor should be practical. Honoring the Calling, Not Merely the Performance • Samson’s lapses are undeniable, yet Scripture records that “he had judged Israel twenty years.” • Romans 11:29 reminds us, “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” • David refused to harm Saul, saying, “I will not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). Respect is rooted in God’s choice, not human perfection. Remembering Past Faithfulness • Burial “between Zorah and Eshtaol” returns Samson to the place where “the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him” (Judges 13:25). • Proverbs 10:7: “The memory of the righteous is blessed.” We honor servants of God by recalling their Spirit-empowered moments, not merely their stumbles. God’s Final Word Is Grace • Hebrews 11:32 lists Samson among the heroes of faith, showing divine affirmation after death. • Deuteronomy 34:5-6 records God Himself burying Moses—a pattern: the Lord ensures honor for His servants. • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 points to the “crown of righteousness” awaiting those who finish the race. God’s verdict eclipses human critique. Practical Takeaways for Today • Speak well of faithful leaders now and after they’re gone (Proverbs 31:31). • Offer tangible help—meals, financial aid, funeral costs—when servants of God or their families face need. • Guard against delighting in a leader’s downfall; instead, lament and learn (Galatians 6:1). • Preserve testimonies of God’s work through His servants for future generations (Psalm 78:4). |
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