Read Judges 13:1-5. The barrenness of Manoah's wife was a reflection of Israel's spiritual barrenness, of Israel's emptiness, of Israel's fruitlessness, and so the angel promised her a son who would be a Nazirite.
The word nazir means "set aside," somebody who is set aside for God. In Numbers 6 the law of God tells us all about the Nazirite. Nazirites were set aside to serve God's special purpose, but they had to make and keep three vows.
For twenty years he played the champion, but he failed to act as a godly leader.
First, they were not to touch any wine or the fruit of the grape. Second, a Nazirite was not to touch a dead body. If he did, he would become defiled, whether by a human body or an animal body. And third, he was never to cut his hair. While the uncut hair was a symbol of his strength, it was not the secret of his strength. The secret of his strength was the Holy Spirit of God.
Samson broke all of these vows. Moreover, you should note that he was a loner. He never rallied the troops. You never see him calling out an army; you never see him seeking counsel from anybody; you never see him being confronted by anyone. For twenty years he played the champion, but he failed to act as a godly leader.
There is certainly a difference between a strong leader and a godly leader. The two are not synonymous, and the difference between the two is teachability. May God raise up humble leaders who seek the wisdom of God as they lead those He has entrusted to them.
Prayer: God, make me a godly leader. Help me to have a teachable spirit. Remind me to seek the guidance of the godly people You place in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Beware of Spiritual Amnesia, Part 6: LISTEN NOW
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