In ancient Israel the Nazarites had one of the most unusual roles to fill. They were to be examples of obedience to God – sort of a walking-living object lesson. They could not cut their hair, drink alcohol or touch unclean things. Samson was called to be one such Nazarite. But instead he lived a life of missed opportunities.


The action-packed story of Samson and his famous hair is compelling. But most of the story – his dalliance with Delilah, his parties with the Philistines, his contact with unclean things, and his focus on revenge – told of the betrayal of his Nazarite vow. When he broke it, Samson became the reverse of a Nazarite: an object lesson of disobedience to God. He disgraced himself, ruined his family and discouraged the whole nation.


Obedience to God is not just a nice idea we should get around to someday. It is an integral part of how God’s plan works for our good and His glory. And how grateful we are every day that Jesus Christ already paid the price for each way we would fall short!