Scripture Text: Song of Solomon 3:6-11
Who is this woman
coming from the desert
with this large group of people?
The dust rises behind them
like clouds of smoke from burning myrrh and frankincense and other spices.
Song of Solomon 3:6 (ERV)
Song of Solomon is one of the books that has produced many debates among interpreters (even until now). There are many views in this book that attempt to bring out the richness of this poem. Some of those views are attempts to disregard this book, which removes what it can contribute to our Christian Faith. There is no best way to look at this book but in light of what Christ, our Lover-Redeemer has said Himself: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40). Here we see that our Lord Jesus Christ Himself has said that [all] the Scriptures bears witness or simply points to Him! In the difficulty of studying this book, the readers therefore have this great comfort brought about by the words of the Beloved [Christ] Himself, that this points to Him. Every meaning set fort produces abundant gladness in the heart.
In this scenario, look at the abundant gladness that it has both for the Beloved [Christ] and the Maiden [Church]:
Vv. 6-8 tells that there is a gorgeous procession coming towards the city of David (Jerusalem), as it obviously shows the bringing home of the bride, being guarded by Solomon’s mighty men.
Vv. 9-10 tells that Solomon Himself has made the magnificent vehicle for her bride with the costliest materials in their time (wood of Lebanon, silver, gold, purple (color of majesty) cushion, interior made in love)
With the maiden being taken into the very presence of Solomon, there is abundant gladness as the daydreaming (mentioned in the previous passages) has finally come to an end. There is this realization for the lovers that their sure ending is being together, enjoying the never-ending felicity brought by their intimate love—a full enjoyment of each other’s satisfying presence. Solomon rejoices exceedingly as he himself has ordered the spectacular arrival procession of his bride, while the maiden, on her way to Solomon rejoices exceedingly knowing that satisfaction after satisfaction awaits her, as she resides in the presence of her beloved.
Such is the obvious case of the Church with Christ, the Beloved! There is no blessedness, wholeness, happiness, apart from the Beloved [Christ]! And He will take His bride [Church] towards Him with He Himself has worked for by His own life! This work will only but produce abundant gladness to the Church, and ultimately to Him! While you are being taken by Him towards Himself, you are carried by His all-beautiful redemptive work! You are secured by it, even though often times the journey seems dark (terror by night)! You are totally surrounded by Him! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow [you] me all the days of [your] my life!
Yes, dear saint, it is His felicity to take you to His very arms! For the Lord takes pleasure in His people! There is nothing more gladdening than this, knowing that the Beloved [Christ] has worked for the eternal security of His bride – “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” says the Beloved [Christ] to you, dear saint.
The real believer’s heart is awakened to perceive the wonders of God in the person of our Lover-Redeemer, Jesus Christ! From there, we learn to enthusiastically acclaim, oh taste and see that the LORD is good!
He who does not want know more of Him, knows nothing of Him yet…
Hear this then, dear saint! He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Desire communion with Him, who has loved us eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him, the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious and all-happy! Be exceedingly joyous in being His beloved. If you have truly seen Him, then He is your exceeding joy.
Nobody loves you like He does…
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Do you seek to dwell in Christ’s presence permanently?
2. Do you yearn for His return?
3. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
In the Beloved, we have all received grace upon grace. You are made to belong to Him, for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Read
Psalm 138:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10-11
Pray
Father, I come before You, in prayer, in the name of Your Son, to humbly ask of Your infinite fullness of goodness, for I rely in nothing but Your grace alone in Your Son. Father I pray for Your establishment upon my soul, that I might be pleasing in Your sight, and that it may remain as my fixed purpose. Grant me this abundant gladness in Your Son as He manifests Himself to me, in obeying His commandments. Make me behold the security that I have in His finished work, that I may rejoice exceedingly in Him alone. Father I pray that You satisfy my soul in Him, that I might not forget Him, and that I may have the constant longing before You to be drawn closer and closer to Him – my eternal gladness. This I pray, in His Name. Amen.
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