It often happens that after I preach a sermon I wish I could do at least parts of it over. This space then provides a nice "do-over," where I can mention some things I should have thought to include or clarify on Sunday! This week, almost immediately, I found myself wishing I had thought to make a few more connections between Samson and Christ, and clarify how Samson is a "type" of Christ. A "type" is a person, event, or institution in the Old Testament that has a counterpart in Christ and the gospel in the New Testament. It is an Old Testament shadow of a New Testament reality. For example, David is a type of Christ, in that he is the great king of Israel who brings peace to God's people. David began to do this in Israel. Jesus completes this work in His ascension to the throne in heaven, and will complete this work in the new creation as He establishes eternal and perfect peace for the people of God. David as king points us to Jesus as King. In the same way, Samson is a type of Christ. I touched on a few ways that Samson is a type of Christ. He is the son who is to be sanctified, set apart, and holy so that he might conquer the enemies of God and deliver God's people. But I didn't talk much about one of Samson's most notable characteristics - he is really strong! Samson has a remarkable, Herculean strength that is unique in the Old Testament narratives. In the same way, Jesus is the strong man. Though he is frail like us in our humanity, by His strength He has power, by the Holy Spirit, to dismantle enemy forces, withstand temptation, persevere through trial, command nature, heal sickness, and so on. As the song says, "Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong." And as Paul said, His power is made perfect in our weakness. And, it is directly through the power of His death that Jesus conquers our enemies - just like Samson. If I could go back, I would more greatly emphasize that connection. As the strong, sanctified, savior, Samson points us to Jesus.