Beyond the Pointless Grind: The Samson Phenomenon

(This reading is based on Ecclesiastes 1 that is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of SDAs.)

"'Vanity of vanities' says the preacher, 'vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'" Ecc. 1: 2.

The imagery of Samson in Judges 16, now in captivity with his eyes plucked out, and who is set to grind in prison, paints a vivid picture of the pointless nature of life without Christ. It speaks of vanity.

Samson's Experience: a Reality Check Outside of Christ
1. Samson's captivity represents our own captivity to sinful addictions (Rom. 6: 16)
2. The loss of Samson's eyes represents Laodicea state of blindness declared in Rev. 3: 17
3. The circular motion of Samson's daily grinding routine illustrates that though we constantly move we cover very little ground.




Summary
What a tragic summary of life without Christ: blindly walking in circles, reaching nowhere, seeing nothing new. Little wonder then that the preacher would declare, "Vanity of vanities... vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Ecc. 1: 2.

Let's Pray
Father in Heaven we would indeed reach beyond this pointless grind of life without Christ. Thank you for the offer of Salvation that we have in Him; for the wisdom so freely offered to guide our steps; the washing of our eyes with eye salve that we may see. Please break the chains that would bind us to the grind of sinful, fruitless addictions. We ask that You lead us to the central pillars of life as we know it on earth. Then we would that You grant us the strength of wisdom to tear down life's folly, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

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