We all love what we call a heart-warming story. How many times have you seen the 63-year-old grandmother run across the road into the arms and hugs of her family who were waiting on the other side.
Alice Johnson was freed from a federal prison in Alabama where she was serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug conviction. This freedom was granted to her by means of a presidential pardon. President Trump had pardoned Mrs. Johnson apparently on the basis of the non-violent nature of her crime and for the fact of having already served 22 years of her sentence.
Some of the observations that added the heart-warming feelings to this story were in the interviews that Mrs. Johnson gave after her release. This lady freely admitted that she had made a mistake in judgment years ago when she became involved with illegal drugs. She did not blame the police or the court system for her conviction. She did not charge any racial bias. She seemed to hold no bitterness because she “owned her own sin” and her breaking of the law.

She did show exuberant joy and gratitude for her new-found freedom. She said she felt that her life was starting all over again. She had demonstrated that she was a changed person. She vowed to use her new lease on life for enjoying her family and doing right things. She expressed deep gratitude to Kim Kardashian and President Trump for working towards her freedom and for granting her mercy. With all of these confessions and testimonials — who wouldn’t be happy for this lady? She has very much understood the great blessing she received this week.
However, that’s not always the case with others. We Americans live in a great country. As soon as I say that, I have to add that the USA is not a perfect nation. We have some serious social problems. While we have had a glorious history, not everything in our history has been right. Nonetheless, this is still a great place, especially for those who will approach life and opportunities in the US with a good work ethic and balanced attitudes. Some people misunderstand the blessings they have of being Americans. They claim unfair treatment when they break the rules or defy authority. They charge society with bias. They blame “the system” or blame the other political party or blame city hall or blame everybody else when life does not go right for them. They have had blessings available, but have misunderstood the application and use of those blessings.
There is a Bible character who fits this picture of someone who misunderstood blessings that had been provided for him. His name is Samson. Samson is usually remembered for his tremendous strength. In fact, this man had a supernatural strength. Marvel comics could make a great movie for the amazing feats that this man was able to accomplish. The biography of his life is outlined in chapters 13-16 of the book of Judges. It’s an account of awesomeness, excitement, sadness, missed opportunities, and reconciliation. It is a life though that received honorable mention by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Hebrews 11:32.
Samson was a man that was consecrated even before his birth. His birth and mission of life were foretold to his parents by an angel of the Lord. That occurred only one other time in the Old Testament when the Lord told Abraham how he was to have his son, Isaac. Samson’s consecration was centered around the Nazarite vow that was placed upon his life. This vow included the prohibitions of drinking alcohol and cutting his hair. This was to be a consecration unto God, but that is where Samson missed the boat. He took the great abilities he was given and attempted to use them only for himself and for his spoiled lifestyle. He misunderstood his blessings.
Blessings are misunderstood by people from all walks of life and from all segments of our society. The blessing of life is misunderstood more and more by people that think existence on this Earth is all about themselves. They misunderstand that life is all about the relationship they are to have with the Creator because they will give an account of it one day to the Creator God (Rom. 14:11-12). Some people misunderstand the blessing of getting an education. With the right attitude and diligent work, education will open so many doors of opportunity.
A growing number of Americans are misunderstanding the blessing of having sound biblical teaching so readily available in our land. Yes, I know that there have been so many moral and spiritual failures by people who call themselves Christians, but that does not make the message any less true or relevant or even needful. Take advantage of the blessings you have been given in order to build upon where you are now. Come join us today, or next Sunday, in order to begin to learn how your life can experience even more of God’s blessings for you and your family.