Fragile Spring flowers hold such hopes for ripe fruit.
The grapes yielded now, at the end of summer, were sown many months ago, when sweet petals unfolded, beckoning the bees.
But if blooms fail in the spring, if the flower withers, all is ruined.
Predators threaten the promise of fruit.
Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.--Song of Solomon 2:15
Little foxes stalk our faith, our life in Christ.
Union with God is not complete in this world. It can't be.
We are constantly distracted by the fox--the fox that is flesh and blood and, by nature, partially broken.
The danger is not in the part of us that loves God, the part in bloom, but the part not yet subject to Him.
If we are to see fruit, we must protect the bloom, that is, give to God ever-increasing portions.
We cannot rest on the part of God already blooming in our hearts. We must stalk the fox in us, and chase him out. In doing so, we yield to Christ's promise, and make ways for the complete work of the True Vine.
We must resolutely grow in God.
If you think you stand firm, be careful you don't fall.--1Corinthians 10:12
Don't kid yourself. The fox lurks. Weakness and sin threaten.
But Christ brings the promise of a harvest.
lovely post. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday hop xo
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. And thanks for following, too.
DeleteSuch a great reminder that there are so many little foxes around. We truly have to be in tune with His Voice to know when He's warning us about them.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts for the beginning of the week, or any time really!
ReplyDelete" We must stalk the fox in us, and chase him out." Yup! Which means, be vigilant about... ourselves!
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. Ourselves. Not my favorite thing to do. So often would like to make friends with the foxes. Sigh.
Deletemy, you can say so much with so few words. you are an inspiration. Those vineyards are yielding beautiful truths--
ReplyDeletethis one "The danger is not in the part of us that loves God, the part in bloom, but the part not yet subject to Him." really got me.
Oh, Jody...it is truly wonderful to be in the vineyard. I could walk them forever. They sing with truths. No wonder Christ used them so often as metaphor.
DeleteYes...the part that is not subject to him is so dangerous! I happen to love foxes and they get a bad name...perhaps a wolf or Mountain Lion is how I see the my fleshly, unruly self. I love reading new scripture...that is the first time I have seen that verse with foxes so it makes sense you included that in your blog! Great post!
ReplyDelete