March 30, 2011

Song of Songs 4
To the western mindset the beloved shepherd’s poetic description of the Shulamite’s beauty is a bit bizarre. However, keep in mind that the idyllic shepherd is giving metaphors and similes that are consistent with his experience. He is letting his lover know how attractive she is. His description includes seven parts of her body, eyes, teeth, lips, mouth, neck, temples and breasts. Seven is the number of perfection and as such he is describing how he considers her physical appearance to be perfect. He delights in her. Do you ever stop to think that the Lord Jesus Christ does that with His bride of whom you are a part? Yes, if you are in Christ, you are part of His body, His bride. He has not only declared you to be perfect, but He also is working to present you pure and spotless to Himself. When we come in line with His designs for us, He delights in us even as the shepherd delights in the Shulamite. He delights in you.
In verse 6 he informs her that he must go and there will be a short time of separation until he returns for her. Our great shepherd has informed us of the same thing. Having won our love upon the cross, He has returned to heaven for a time of separation until He returns for us.
In the meantime he informs her of how she has won his heart. Her beauties are intoxicating and have won his heart. Her love is better than wine. He calls her his sister indicating that his love for her is deeper than just sexual attraction. There is a platonic relationship present that is expressed in more than just the physical. It is a deep life-long affection that crosses beyond the sexual. Have you ever considered that the love of the Lord Jesus Christ toward His bride, toward us, is very similar? He loves us with a fierce, passionate, undying love.
But what about her love for him? He views her love to be like an enclosed garden. It is a garden that is private. Walled all about, only he is given entrance. Only he is allowed to enjoy the choicest fruits of her life. Hers is a chaste love. She desires only his presence. Are we as chaste for the Lord Jesus Christ? He loves us with a pure fierce passionate, undying love. That is what makes Him so desireable. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor john