May 30

Morning

Catch for us the foxes—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom. — Song 2:15 BSB

A small thorn can cause a lot of pain. A tiny cloud can block the sun. Little foxes spoil the vineyard, and small sins can do great harm to a tender heart. These little sins burrow deep into the soul, making it so displeasing to Christ that He won’t walk in close fellowship with us. A big sin can’t destroy a Christian, but a small sin can make them miserable.

Jesus won’t walk closely with His people if they allow even the smallest known sin to remain in their hearts. He said, “If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” Yet, many Christians rarely enjoy the presence of their Savior. Why is that? Surely it must be painful for a child to be separated from their Father. Are you a child of God, but content to go on without seeing your Father’s face? How can you, the bride of Christ, be satisfied without His company? Surely, you must be in a sad state, for the true bride of Christ mourns like a dove when her Beloved is absent.

So, ask yourself: what has driven Christ from your heart? He hides His face behind the wall of your sins. That wall can be made up of small stones as much as great ones. Oceans are made of drops of water, and the sea that separates you from Christ may be filled with drops of your little sins. If you want to live with Christ, walk with Him, and see Him—then you must take care of those “little foxes that ruin the vineyard,” for our vineyard has tender grapes. Jesus invites you to go with Him and catch those foxes. Like Samson, He will capture them easily. Go with Him and hunt them down!

Evening

We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. — Rom 6:6 BSB

Christian, why would you toy with sin? Haven’t you suffered enough from it already? If you’ve been burned before, would you play with fire again? After you’ve been in the jaws of the lion, would you go back into his den? Didn’t the serpent poison your veins once before? Why would you now place your hand on the serpent’s den again? Don’t be so foolish!

Did sin ever bring you real pleasure? Did it give you true satisfaction? If it did, then go back to it—put the chains back on. But we know that sin never delivers what it promises. It deceives and disappoints. Don’t be caught in the same trap twice. Let the memory of your past bondage remind you not to step back into the snare.

It’s contrary to the purposes of God’s love for you to return to sin. His desire is for your purity and holiness—so don’t oppose His plans for you.

Another reason to avoid sin is this: Christians never sin without paying a heavy price. Sin destroys your peace of mind, clouds your fellowship with Jesus, hinders your prayers, and brings darkness over your soul. So why would you become a slave to sin again?

There’s an even higher reason to flee from sin. Every time you sin, you are, in a sense, “crucifying the Lord all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.” Can you bear that thought? If you’ve fallen into some sin today, maybe this message is the Lord’s way of calling you back before you stray too far. Return to Jesus. He hasn’t forgotten His love for you. His grace is still the same. With repentance and tears, come to Him again. You’ll find He welcomes you back with open arms, setting you on a firm foundation, and establishing your steps anew.