"Samson went down to Timnah and was there a young Philistine woman. When he returned, he said to his father and mother, "I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife." -- Judges 14:1-2

I can't help but laugh when I read this.  To imagine a time and place where the young man sees a girl he likes-- and then tells his parents to "get her as his wife", and for the parents to comply-- wow... that's a different reality!  Things sure have changed.  It's important to remember that when we read scripture that we are reading things in a particular historical and cultural context.  Some may say, "do what the Bible tells you"... and yet at the same time would never support this way of getting a wife for their son.  But that doesn't mean the Bible is false or irrelevant.  We can still find richness in its stories, and instruction in its teaching.  It can still speak to us as a living, breathing, fresh and relevant word.  Read it, enjoy it.  Soak it up.  Read the story of Samson for what it is... a great story!

Readings:  Judges 13:1-14:20; John 1:29-51; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 14:15-16