Right in my own eyes...
I was watching a video today about translating the Bible and something interesting was mentioned about the story on Samson. In Judges 14, Samson tells his parents that he wants to marry a Philistine. They ask him to consider an Israelite and he responds by telling them that he really wants this woman. This is how Judges 14:3 is translated in various translations:
NLT - But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.”
NKJV - And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.”
NIV - But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.”
NASB - Yet Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, because she is right for me.”
Other translations are similar. Here's what's interesting. In Hebrew, what Samsono literally says is, "Get her for me. She is right in my eyes." Why is that important? Think back to the beginning of Judges. What was the problem with Israel? Everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Samson, the last judge, is the POSTER CHILD of all that was wrong with Israel. He broke every Nazirite vow and broke every command of the Torah. He was an utter failure...
...and yet...
He is mentioned in Henrews 11 in the Hall of Faith. God uses him in miraculous ways. It is a reminder that God uses who He chooses to use, regardless of their supposed appropriateness. There are times where we might look at someone and think, "There is no way God can use them!" There are times when we look at ourselves and think the same.
Now don't get me wrong. This doesn't mean you should ignore God's commands. We should all strive to follow Jesus in obedience. However, God's working through you is not dependent on you. Let him!
SONGS FOR SUNDAY
Great Things
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4CY3nf1Mvw
Goodness of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f4MUUMWMV4
Good Good Father
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ak0OoFBw3c
Great Are You Lord