A few years ago, while I was visiting a friend in England, each morning I would watch the foxes playing in the garden outside. They looked so cute that I wanted to go outside to feed and pet them. My friend said many people are taken in by these playful characters and allow them to continue in their gardens wreaking havoc.
“My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:14-15
Sin can be like the foxes that appear to be harmless, while in reality it is bringing great destruction to our lives. When Solomon speaks of the foxes, he is referring to them interfering and distracting the beautiful exchange of love between him and his lover. Often we do not realize the effect that sin is having on our relationship with God. Not being surrendered to God with our time, money, future dreams, possessions, activities and relationships can also become ‘hindrances’ or ‘fox-like’ distractions to our love relationship with God.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12:1 gives us some insight into this section on foxes. Notice that this passage says “everything that hinders AND the sin that so easily entangles…” The word “and” implies that they may not necessarily be the same thing.
-What are some things that hinder you in your walk with God?
Continue following this week for more conversation on “catching the foxes”
Excerpt from "Crown of Beauty 12 Week Bible Study" // visit "shop" tab for more info!