Samson and Easter

A recent discussion got me to thinking about Samson as a type for Christ. There are several types of Christ in the Old Testament. Isaac the only son almost sacrificed on the mountain by his faithful father. Joseph left for dead comes back and saves his people from death. Jonah rises from the belly of the whale.

picture from Westgate Branson Woods Resort

Samson was a miraculous baby who came from a womb that was dead except for God's intervention. Samson was a Nazirite from birth. He was fully dedicated to God and God's purpose even before birth. The Spirit of God came on him and was a powerful influence on Samson.

The other types I mentioned didn't die to represent Christ. They came near death or should have died or were considered dead. Samson extended right arm to a temple pillar and extended his left to another. He died in the shape of the cross and in his death took the oppression from Israel by destroying the leaders of their enemy.

So why did he live such a lousy life beforehand? I don't know. I wonder though if God's giving of great strength and a great mission might have gone to his head. From birth he was likely told he would save Israel. Once the Spirit of God came on him, he gained great physical power. Didn't Jesus face such temptations in the desert? "Turn these stones to bread . . . Jump off the Temple and let angels catch you." Those are some pretty heady powers and temptations as well. How would I have lived with the same mission and powers as Samson? Samson shows us the tempations Jesus faced and successfully overcame.