May 7 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

These readings focus on the Holy Spirit. In the Old Covenant (or Testament), the Spirit "anoints" one person here and one there to perform a special work for God. In the New Covenant, the Spirit is "poured out" like rain on the whole church of Christ.

Bible Reading:

Judges 16: 13–22

Bible Text:

[Samson] thought, 'I'II go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the LORD had left him" (Judg. 16:20).

Devotional:

The story of Samson and Delilah has been filmed by the secular film industry. No wonder Hollywood tried to make money on this part of the Bible. Even to Christians, Samson doesn't appear to be a very spiritual man. His outstanding characteristics were his great muscular strength and a weakness for women. At least that's how we usually portray him.

We must not forget, however, that during an ebb tide in Israel's faith, God chose Samson for a special assignment (Judg. 13). Before he was even born, Samson was set aside as God's own sword for the punishment of Israel's enemies. Only Samson, his parents, and God knew the secret of his strength. It was not in his hair or muscles; rather, the Spirit of the LORD was his strength. And when Samson prostituted his secret and violated his oath of office, he became just as weak as any other man.

Then he sat in the house of bondage, a victim of his lust, betrayed by his lover. The Spirit of the LORD left the anointed one. It is most painful to see the fall of God's office-holder. Samson broke his oath, and God's Spirit left him. In one stroke, Samson lost his God, his power, and his dignity.

And we have seen many go as he did.

The fact that the Spirit of God forsakes a person who is in bondage to the flesh has nothing to do with the Spirit's power. It has to do with the Spirit's holiness.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.