Read: Luke 13:31-32
When I saw a fox in my backyard the other day, I almost jumped out of my skin. I have since been reassured by both friends and neighbors that foxes are not usually aggressive to people; but I just do not trust them. It is no surprise to me that biblically, “foxes are associated with craftiness and deception.”
In fact, in Luke 13:31 when urged by the Pharisees to, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow ....” (Luke 13:32). He speaks of the sneaky, deceiving, foxy Herod who had John the Baptist killed and now seeks to bate him. Herod fears the threat to his power and position by this “new King of the Jews.” But Jesus’s focus remains on his mission here on earth and his response includes the prophecy of his death and resurrection, i.e., “and on the third day I will reach my goal.” (Luke 13:32).
I am in awe of Jesus’s stance in this scripture. He is neither threatened nor deterred by the Pharisees warning. Instead, Jesus refuses to stop working and ultimately dies for our sins, opening the door to eternal life with the Father. Hallelujah! Jesus was standing on business as our youth would say. As God’s children going forward in 2025, this example reminds us that in order to continue Jesus’s ministry here on earth, not only do we have to stay the course, but we must put on the armor of Christ like character and conviction too.
Lord, help us to resist all the daily trappings and distractions we meet along the way, especially the temptation of clicks, likes and followers. May our actions reflect Jesus. Amen.
Yulanda Swindell