The Gospel in Samson’s Riddle
Out of the strong came forth sweetness
Judges 14:14
The Gospel is shown in that:
a. "The Strong" relates to the Lord Jesus Christ.
b. To be the source of that sweetness, he had to die.
c. Jesus is sweet to His own in His person,
A. "The Strong" is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is "the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" (Rev 5:5)
Jesus is stronger than Satan (Luke 11:22)
"Art Thou he that should come?" (Luke 7:19)
This last was the question of John the Baptist in prison. In his time of suffering, he naturally wanted assurance as to whom Jesus really was. The reply was to do those sweet works of mercy to those in need. They were the works of the stronger man plundering Satan’s goods, showing sweet mercy to those in need.
B. To open up that sweet fountain of mercy, the Strong had to die.
Rev. 5:6,9
Heb. 2:9,14
C. Jesus is sweet to his own.
"My meditation of Him shall be sweet." (Psalm 104:34)
The sweet character of Christ, in whose image we are renewed.
Col. 3:12,13
Eph. 4:22-24, 4:31-5:2
Through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, Gal. 5:22-25
Psalm 19:10
Psalm 119:103
(Proverbs 24:13)
Luke 7:21-23
Acts 2:22
Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18
See also
Genesis 42:11, Honey was treasured amongst "the best of the land" and so Jesus is to be treasured.
Exodus 15:25, The tree, which many take as a type of Calvary, made the bitter waters sweet.
Song of Solomon 2:3, 4:11, 5:1, 5:16.
R J Higginson, B.Sc., B.D., 30 September 1999, copyright.
Since I originally wrote this, I am indebted to Phil Smith for a further comment, on the second line of the riddle, "Out of the eater came something to eat."
Phil gave this second application, that out of the attacks of the enemy, God brings blessings which are for our benefit and growth as Christians. 1 Peter 5:8.
R J Higginson, B.Sc., B.D. ; Copyright