Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Judges 15:13, “So they spoke to him, saying, ‘No, but we will tie you securely and deliver you into their hand; but we will surely not kill you.’ And they bound him with two new ropes and brought him up from the rock.”

Background

When do you feel like you’re responsible for something? How far down the assembly line do you have to be involved to make whatever happens fall back on you? The bartender opens his doors and sells liquor to those of legal age. He doesn’t force the drinks onto anyone, nor does he intend on getting someone drunk and have them drive themselves home. He’s just doing his job, making himself a living. The customers are adults, able to choose whether to spend their money on drinks or not. But when something tragic happens involving that drunk driver, or when his stupor leads to battering his wife, people start to ask questions and point fingers. And that’s when all the lines get drawn. “The bartender should have cut the customer off.” “No, he’s not responsible to assess the sobriety of everyone he serves.” “He shouldn’t have let him drive himself home.” “No, cabs are sitting outside his establishment, but how do you force someone to get a ride?”

Application

Samson’s people weren’t going to kill him. They were just going to arrest him, bind him, and deliver him to their enemies, the same enemies that he had been destroying and terrorizing recently. But at least they promised him that they wouldn’t kill him. Now, Samson does end up defeating the Philistines again, in spite of the “help” from his fellow Israelites. But they weren’t too concerned about that. Whether he died or not was not on them. They only delivered him. It’s not like they were going to run him through with a spear. And it’s not like we are the ones who do that awful thing, whatever it might be, are we? We can walk that fine line of participation and responsibility, somehow thinking our hands and hearts remain clean. But are they? It’s not about where we should draw the line, or how far down the path we can go and still turn back. It’s much more than that, and we know it. Sitting quietly, listening to our hearts, we know it. So stop before you start. Or turn back now. That’s what you’re responsible for.

Charge

As we seek Him today, avoid the excuses that have led you where you might not have gone. Desire complete purity, and take responsibility when you’ve come up short.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words