Samson's Glorious End

Aim: To run the race of faith well—all the way to the end of our lives.

Doctrine: In Christianity all is well that ends well. Despite the many trials that accompany every believer's live, only the ones who break the tape in the ''race of faith'' are truly victorious.

Exegesis: The satisfying conclusion of Samson's life: he frustrated idolaters and their false god (vv. 23-24); he (with God) got the ''last laugh'' (vv. 25-28); he conquered many of God's foes (vv. 29-31).

Further application: How Samson's end encourages us in our Christian faith: his death reminds us of Jesus' crucifixion, which led to Christ's (and our) resurrection.

Key phrase: v. 30c ''...So the dead that [Samson] killed at his death were more that he had killed in his life.''