Judges 14:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat.
Call it adrenalin, excitement, or whatever, but you know that feeling you get when something thrilling is about to happen. I’m sure you’ve heard stories about people being able to do amazing feats of strength in emergency situations. All of these are quite a rush. Driving race cars, jumping out of airplanes, or public speaking can provide the rush of adrenalin… or the Holy Spirit.
The story is about Samson. The Sunday School lesson is that Samson was super strong because of his long hair. But his strength was not really in his hair, but in the power of the Holy Spirit in his life. But for adults, the rest of Samson’s story is not as glamorous, but more scandalous. He was not a nice guy or a Superman type. He was blood thirsty and cruel and a bit of a womanizer. We don’t teach that in Sunday School. God worked in his life for a distinct purpose and a prescribed time. He can use anyone, any time. After all, He’s God.
More than once, the Holy Spirit rushed upon Samson and he was able to do the astounding. Killing a lion with his bare hands is just one example. Jesus told his disciples in Mark 13, “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Later in Acts 1, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem Judea and Samaria
For Samson it was feats of strength. For the disciples it was power to proclaim. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, ways of which we are unaware. But rest assured, the Holy Spirit is at work in you. Maybe he rushes in and provides strength when needed. Perhaps he gives you the right words to say when you need them. In baptism, the Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith in Jesus.
I don’t know if racing cars and sky diving are necessarily Holy Spirit things. But that rush, that boost, that overwhelming presence of something astounding is there. Pay attention to those times when you find yourself able to do something that would be impossible and give thanks to God for his presence. Then, give thanks to God for His presence even when you can’t feel Him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to live out my life in an expression of His presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
