Story of Samson in the Old Testament clearly portraits the strength of separation as well as the consequences of compromise. The secret behind the supernatural strength of Samson was his sanctified life. He was a Nazirite from the womb of his mother. Cf. Judges 13:5. A Nazirite is one who is wholly surrendered to God. They must be separated to the Lord and should be away from things that could defile them. Cf. Numbers 6:1ff. Even a small thing that many would consider as harmless could defile this dedicated godly individual.

        Samson experienced immense power and people began to wonder at the source of his strength. But he was not careful in maintaining his separated state. Gradually, little by little he defiled himself. He could not control his carnal appetite. What was the result? Lost his separation and the strength of the Lord left him and the rest is a sad story. Cf. Jud 16:21ff.

Distinguishing mark     

Through out the Bible we see that separation is one of the marks of a believer. The Lord wants His people to be separated from the contaminations of this world. They must be totally devoted to Him and His purposes. Whenever they live in such a way, He will bless them and use them mightily. At the same time failure will lead to God’s wrath and subsequent chastening hands falling upon His own people. It is for His glory blessings are bestowed on those who follow His word, similarly it is to uphold His glory judgement is meted out to those who chose to rebel.

        We see this taking place through out the Old Testament. Their separation guaranteed God’s protection and power. Even with all his effort Balaam could not curse them because they were living as a separate people with out following the practices of the nations around them. Numbers 23:8, 9. But the moment they joined the Moabites for evil association and defiled themselves, the wrath of God fell upon them. Numbers 25:1—9.

        So we see the Lord repeatedly makes this call, “Come out from among them, and be separate.” Isaiah 52:11; 2Corin 6:17 etc.

Christ’s Concern

        Are we then exempt from this demand of the Lord in the New Testament? The Lord Jesus Christ frequently refers to our separated state in His intercessory prayer. John 17. “They are not of the world just as I am not of the world.” V. 14. The world does not know God the Father, Son and the Holy Sprit; similarly the world does not recognize us. On the contrary the world will only hate and persecute us. Cf. John 14:17; 15:18; 17:25; 1John 3:1.

        These are plain teachings of the New Testament. This world has no place for the Triune God and His people. World does not understand us either. An unbeliever may not appreciate our motive, principles and practices.

        There are many Christians who do not care such things. So they simply adopt the style of the world and without any hesitation follow the fashions of the unbeliever. However, even after knowing this truth and experiencing the blessings based on it, can we afford to go back to the world to be appreciated and acknowledged by them? Not only is it a futile exercise, it’s a sign of ignorance and spiritual deterioration. Peter spoke about such people very severely. 2Peter 2:20—22.

        Beloved, let us maintain separation, however illogical and old-fashioned it may be. The Lord is our example and the stories of numerous saints in the past are our inspiration. As the well known hymn writer MEC sang why we need ‘the applause of the world that gave a thorn of crown to our Master’.