Today’s Reading: Judges 15
Verse 14 says, “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him.” In other translations, this phrase “rushed
upon” is translated as “came powerfully upon” (NIV); “came mightily upon”
(KJV); “took control of” (HOL); “came over” (GW). No matter how you say it, this was a
phenomenal and powerful move of God’s Spirit upon Samson granting him
astounding physical strength.
When the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon someone, some pretty amazing
things begin to happen. Here in Judges
15, the Spirit enabled Samson to break the ropes off his hands like they were
powder and strike down an army of Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone. Elsewhere in Scripture, we see the Spirit’s
rushing power enabling people to do amazing supernatural feats: Saul mustered
three hundred thousand Israelites for battle (1 Samuel 11:6-8); David was
anointed as Israel’s king (1 Samuel 16:13); Azariah preached a powerful sermon
(2 Chronicles 15:1); Balaam prophesied (Numbers 24:2); Jahaziel pronounced great words of
encouragement (2 Chronicles 20:14). Every one of these actions were beyond the
“natural” abilities of the person. Every one of these actions were enacted by a
supernatural power that can come only from God.
Everywhere in Scripture where we read of the Holy Spirit coming upon
people, we see unusual and unexplainable events take place. In the New Testament we read, “And suddenly
there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided
tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:2-4) Unusual and unexplainable - the sound of
rushing wind. Wildfire. Speaking in tongues. And an unexpectedly bold Gospel
presentation by a coward, the Apostle Peter.
Wow! What unusual and unexplainable phenomenon.
That’s what happens when God’s Spirit comes upon a person. They are enabled to do things that they could
not do in their human strength. This is
how God enables people to accomplish His great purposes. And when His Spirit
rushes in – watch out! Unusual and
unexplainable events will arise.
What is that “thing” that God has put on your heart to accomplish for
His kingdom? What ministry is calling you? Don’t attempt that thing in your own strength or human effort. Instead, listen
to what Jesus told you to do, “wait for the promise of the Father.” Wait upon Him and in His perfect timing “you
will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
You, too can experience the Spirit rushing upon you resulting in unusual and
unexplainable power happening in your life.
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