Then you must protect me from the foxes, foxes on the prowl, Foxes who would like nothing better than to get into our flowering garden. (Son 2:15)
One of the greatest men who ever lived is the man Samson son of Manoah. He was born a great child and he grew with the seed of greatness in him. But what would become of this great man on whom the hope of Israel hung?
Before he was born, his father was careful enough to find out what his son would need to succeed and fulfill his destiny. So Manoah asked him (the angel of the Lord), “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy’s life and work?” [Judges 13:12 NIV]. The rule is simple: “…”Keep in mind everything I told the woman. Eat nothing that comes from the vine: Drink no wine or beer; eat no ritually unclean foods. She’s to observe everything I commanded her.” (Jdg 13:14). God’s plan for Samson is clear and bold: The boy will be God’s Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death. (Jdg 13:7). This is the clear intention of God for Samson, from birth till death, he would serve the purpose of God. But what went wrong? What happened to that great destiny?
Samson lost focus and traded away God’s purpose and plan. What mistake did he make? That same old time mistake: He undermined little things. Songs 2:15 says to Catch the foxes, the little foxes, before they ruin our vineyard in bloom. (Son 2:15). Many great men have been brought down by little things. James 3:3-5 talks of ‘bits’, ‘small helm’, ‘a little fire’. Little things, who says they are little? Only if Samson had known this truth!
Samson was greatly anointed, but little thing as affection ruined his destiny. The little love at first sight grew over him that he didn’t know how putting his head on Delilah’s lap would turn out to a destiny trade off.
Friends, a little fruit bite put mankind in trouble; a little bitterness made Cain a murderer. A little unbelief gave birth to Islam. A little rest and pleasure made David a killer. A little lie ruined Ananias and Sapphira. Should we not rather meditate on these things?
