When I was a new Christian I taught my son’s kindergarten Sunday School class and Werner Sallman’s famous painting, “I Stand At The Door and Knock” was prominent in that classroom. I told the children that Jesus was knocking on the door to their hearts, and there was no handle on the door, so they would need to open it. J. R.’s hand shot up and he earnestly pleaded that he wanted to open the door. God surely came to that little boy that morning and he has grown into a man who deeply loves the Lord.
But I would teach Revelation 3 differently today, for I believe it is a message aimed at lukewarm believers rather than unbelievers. Yet God in His mercy still worked through me in spite of my messy theology, for His heart was so for J. R. His power is not stymied by His weak earthen vessels.
I’m not sure if Werner Sallman based his painting on Revelation 3 or on The Song of Songs 5, but they are parallel passages. In The Song of Songs, Christ is knocking on the door of His Bride, and she is very slow to respond to Him. In Revelation, again, He is knocking on the door of the church at Laodicea, and they too lack passion.
We forget how wonderful He is, and our excuses are as flimsy as the Shulammite maiden’s excuses. She has washed her feet, drawn the drapes, and does not want to get up to open the door for Him.
I slept, but my heart was awake.
A sound! My beloved is knocking,
“Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one,
for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.”
I had put off my garment;
how could I put it on?
I had bathed my feet,
how could I soil them?
Song of Songs 5:2-3
Such flimsy excuses we have for not responding to the Lord’s still small voice. Yet when we are faithless, He is faithful. His love will NEVER let us go. Listen — this is the truth this passage describes in story form. She is lazy, faithless — yet he is knocking till his locks are wet with dew. She loses his presence, but NEVER the relationship. She suffers, for her heart has been rekindled and she remembers how excellent he is — he is indeed, the fairest of ten thousand to her soul. He has not abandoned her, for he will return. Listen to O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go by Indelible Grace (click on the U-Tube version):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-tXgsBq418&list=RD02YQBcg3uy2DM
Sunday
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Monday – Friday Bible Study (Next week we will concentrate on the rich corresponding lecture from Mike Reeves)
Remember: Each day your primary duty is to get your soul “happy in the Lord.” Use music if it helps warm your cold heart. Next study the passage — you may want to take only a question or two a day and immerse yourself in it. Then use it as a springboard for prayer. Here is one of my favorite songs about His faithfulness, but you no doubt will have others to recommend to help us all.
Monday
There are marriages in which the couples basically live parallel lives, without oneness or intimacy. That is not the cold life the Lord wants with us. He feels as close to us as a brother, a friend, yet there is much more. We are His love. He doesn’t want duty, but passion. He doesn’t want to just see us in church at 11 on Sunday, He wants to be one, intertwined, in the warmth of His love.
2. Read The Song of Songs 5:2-3
Kathy Keller says that Tim was looking for a tall blond when he met her and their friendship developed. (She is a short brunette!) They became very close, as brother and sister, kindred spirits. But she wanted more. Finally she gave him the speech about leading her on, but keeping her at arm’s length. He answered her by kissing her. He often tells singles not to dismiss the two thirds of the room on the basis of physical attributes when looking for a spouse — for you want someone who can be close to you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually — even before physically. You want a sister, a bride. Amazingly, this is how Jesus sees us. Not as servants, but friends. Not as distant, but as His bride.
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you
that He sees you as both sister and darling? What else does he call her?
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer: confession, thanksgiving, petition.
Tuesday
3. Read The Song of Songs 5:3-5
A. What excuses does she give for not responding?
B. Be alert (and pray now about this) for giving an excuse — then try to identify the lie. Record it here.
C. When she does arise, what happens to her heart? What does this tell you?
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer.
Wednesday
4. Read The Song of Songs 5:6-7
A. Describe what happens in this passage.
B. Why are the watchmen beating her? Nancy Leigh deMoss was not sure if it was discipline or persecution. What do you think and why?
Richard Sibbes believes the shepherds have become wolves, and how painful it is when suffering is caused by those who were appointed to care for our souls. I find some comfort here however in God acknowledging this happens — and yet she will not back away, she is still seeking her Beloved. Unfortunately, many, especially the young, when abused by the church, back away from the Lord. But here, she does not. She goes to the daughters of Jerusalem, who are also a part of the bride, though less mature than she.
Use the above passage as a springboard for prayer.
Thursday/Friday
Oh blest be Jesus, the Tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! Prepare your heart with this new rendition of a classic by Sara Groves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcYFtihSg_8
5. Read Song of Songs 5:8-9
A. What does she ask of the daughters of Jerusalem and then, what do they ask of her?
B. What do you see happening in this passage?
C. How has this happened for you, here, on this blog?
She begins to describe His beauty. I used to think this song, “He’s the Lily of the Valley,” was confused, because that is what He calls her — but then I remembered, “She is looking like Him.” And in these descriptions, she does say that His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. I love Johnny Cash, perhaps because Steve did, but I do. I appreciate how God turned him around and then he went to the prisons. The only song Steve requested at his funeral was the one June sang to him when she was dying, “The Far Side Banks of Jordan.” But here he is singing “He’s The Lily of the Valley.” (LINK)
6. Read Song of Songs 5:10-16. Meditate on this and comment if you are quickened.
Use this as a springboard for praise and prayer.
In next week’s parallel message from Mike Reeves, he talks about how preachers once frequently preached on the excellencies and beauty of Christ, but now rarely do. Pray for revival with our shepherds and watchmen!
Saturday
7. What is your take-a-way for this week and why?
184 comments
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
So much, as usual! I cheated and read through the whole study and listened to the Johnny cash song as well as June’s song to him.. oh my-but I will wait. 😉
I could so see Dee teaching that class and sweet J.R. raising his hand, and yes even though I don’t know J.R. that well, from what I know-yes he is so in love with Jesus as well as Diane. Love them both!
What stood out to me was that she loses his presence, but NEVER the relationship-and the Indellible Grace song-His Love never lets me go. I see Him knocking at her door-she lying in bed too lazy to come to Him, and he waits patiently while the dew gathers on his hair-but eventually because she doesn’t respond, his presence goes away..but He still loves her-she is still His. His love compells her, “Oh joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee.” “I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not in vain, that morn shall tearless be.”
I loved the verse in the song- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.…”
This just stood out to me also: He said this to her while she was being too lazy to come to Him. “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one” –What Love and what pursuit of her! So He calls her his perfect one even though he knows she is courting her idol.
Such a good picture of His faithfulness, Rebecca!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go — I switched to a more traditional version (Chris Rice) because I could soak it in more easily. I became curious about the history and read this. Because Wikipedia isn’t always accurate, I dug a little deeper and this account does seem accurate (more concise, easier to read on the Wikipedia site).
After listening to the lyrics a few times, I am struck by the first line of each verse: HE INITIATES & PURSUES & I respond:
I was a little nervous about moving on from last week because I felt as if I needed more time to soak in His love. I really appreciate the reminder of our “primary duty” and the affirmation that it’s okay to take one or two questions a day and use them as a springboard for prayer. I WANT TO DEVELOP THIS HABIT!
Such a good follow-up to last week: HE WON’T LET ME GO. Leaving my cave and going with Him is SAFE. Steve Green’s song is such an encouragement that He won’t abandon me. I’ll be listening to that MANY times this week 🙂
So glad, Renee. I laughed about switching to Chris Rice. You and a lot of people — but I do love Indelible Grace!
May we all make this a habit of Scripture soaking and then a springboard for prayer.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
The picture of Jesus knocking at the door of my heart jumped out at me. That picture was very familiar to me as a child as well. I had never connected it with Song of Solomon before though the connection is clear. Jesus is our Lover asking to come in – patiently waiting and asking, even though we are pursuing our idol of comfort on our beds.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Love the story of JR and Dee, it reminds us of His plans—always stronger than our ideas or manipulations or even “messy theology”. He had called JR before time and as Tullian said in the interview—it is God’s act that allows us to receive such grace. I love the promise of that. We cannot thwart His plans. I love the example of such a ready response to the Lord–eager to answer His call.
“and our excuses are as flimsy as the Shulammite maiden’s”-yes, that is me.
Also, I do so love Indelible Grace- and the hymn. I’m trying to post my favorite lines—but it’s all SO rich!…
I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be…O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.
This is a test
You passed the test, Laura-dancer 🙂 Good to “see” you!
Yes, sweet Laura Dancer, your test worked! :)) Good to see you.
1. What stood out to from the above and why? The first thing was the picture. I had that picture in a very small frame through my childhood, I think that I may still have it in a moments box. Brings back sweet memories of learning in Sunday school. Ah, the simple life.
Then the phrase “He will not let you go.” This immediately brought to mind a favorite song: He Will Not Let You Go http://youtu.be/qgtI84kv4rU
and finally, the statement “he is knocking till his locks are wet” brought new perspective. I assumed he was just damp from being out in the early morning. But to think of it as he stood out there and continually knocked……wow.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Not getting up to answer the door, probably because for the last while that is more likely me. I do apologize for stepping away, but have been out of sorts for a while and having difficulty dealing with it all. I know that my Lord loves me more than I could possibly imagine…and that single fact is probably what is keeping me sane these days. It is still hard and I really wish I was much better at leaving stuff in the Lords hands, I probably wouldn’t be as weary as I am. I will still try to participate, however please know that even if I only get a chance to read your comments they are such a blessing and constant reminders that the Lord is still there…and not to give up. I just wanted to say thanks for that.
Mary Canada, It’s so nice to hear from you again. I understand about just reading the comments, as I do too and soak in so much. Blessing to you!
Mary-Canada – so sorry about trials — but was heartened to read “I know that my Lord loves me — that is keeping me sane”
Mary, I’m sorry that you’ve been feeling so out of sorts and having difficulty dealing with things…we have missed you and I’m glad you’re still reading comments and coming on here when you can.
Dear Lord, please help Mary, even today, right this moment, to trust You and to cast all her cares, worries, and burdens upon You, for You are able to shoulder them, and more than that, You want to. Help Mary to not grow weary in doing good, help her to persevere, help her to see You walking right beside her. Thank You for convincing Mary of your great love for her…that is her strength right now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thank you Susan….Amen for Mary.
Mary-Canada, glad you are still with us, and thankful you know His great love for you. Praying for you now.
Hi Mary, I feel the pain you are describing and have also been away for a bit. I too, have read many comments and followed most of the study. Life is difficult right now and too “messy” to discuss.
Father, you are kind, loving, and strong. We know you love us and we often feel your presence with us. Help us to remember you are the one who can relieve our pain, our fear, and our “messiness.” Help us to give our burdens to you. In your Holy name, Amen.
Laura-dancer, I’m praying for your pain–so sorry. I really understand those times too when it feels too “messy” to discuss what all you are going through, too emotionally draining sometimes too. Know that you are loved and prayed for here (and I like your gravatar!)
Laura dancer and Mary Canada, sorry for your pain and the messiness of life. God gave me these verses to ponder today. Perhaps it will encourage you as well.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
“Weight of glory” means vast transcendent glory. What we see will pass. God and His glory will last forever and He has chosen to love us with a vast and glorious love. And we will someday dwell in glory with Him eternally.
And, yes, I love your gravatar too, Laura dancer. I hovered over it and was able to read it clearly. 🙂
Thanks everyone for the kind words everyone and perfectly fitting verses Diane 🙂
My gravatar is my bedroom wall; reminding me everyday that I am not in charge!
Sooooooo many kind words, thoughts, prayers…I feel loved:) Thank you Susan I first read your prayer on the bus, was in tears because it moved me so. Joyce, Dee and Elizabeth…made me smile with warmth. Laura, I wasn’t aware that you were MIA too…but I will also be praying…loved the reference to messy, it is so accurate, yes feel totally messy right now and I too loved your new gravatar. Diane, you are so wise and such a blessing to me your “Weight of glory” means so much. What we see will pass and He has chosen to love us with a vast and glorious love…really needed that today.
Thank you all so much, I feel loved and completely blessed by each and every one of you. I am trying to keep my eyes and my focus on Him…some days are easier than others.
The painting of the woman sleeping on the turquoise carpet of grace stands out to me. I remember in the reading he says “Do not awaken love before it’s soul desires” and “Only upon completing the work of her own search for God does the beloved get fellowship with Him again”. What impresses me so is His patience. He waits until our desire is awakened. In chapter 5 after she does not respond to Him He leaves until she begins to search and long for Him. Then in 6:4 He responds with love. He says she is as beautiful as Tirzah, calling her darling. No sulking lover here. He is all in. I feel irreverent saying this for I may be wrong but He seems to be smitten for He says “turn your eyes away for me for they captivate me”. The God of the Universe loving like that, loving me like that, really stands out.
Then this from the Indelible Grace song: “I lay in dust, life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red, Life that shall endless be.” For this I praise His glorious, matchless name. If not for the dust I would not be here today. Coming to the end of myself is not only how He saved me but also how He sanctifies me. I hate to admit this but I need it repeatedly.
Anne, Your post made me think of Hosea 2 again and also Revelation 3..They all seem to connect with this passage in SOS.
Rebecca, do you mean in His calling us to sanctification? To intimacy with Him, our first love? That is what I am seeing. In fact it seems that everywhere I go and in everything I do, He is calling me. I love the term Lewis uses in The Last Battle of calling them further up and farther in.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Sallman’s painting of Jesus Standing at the Door. I remember seeing it in a Sunday School classroom when I was a small child — I want to say early elementary years. I might be a little off on the timing, because I Googled and learned Sallman painted it in the late 1940s, and that is when I would have been in early elementary school. Did my church get a copy so soon after it was painted?? Perhaps. I’m sure I did not understand that Jesus was knocking at the door of my heart at that point. However, in my middle-age years I recall in the church I now belong to that church leaders decided to take down that same painting because it was “outdated.” I remember that personally I didn’t like that removal. I felt as if it convyed a “timeless” message and should have been interpreted, but not removed.
What occurred to me as I read this was that I TRULY believe that God will never let me go. My relationship with Him has been a very up and down inconsistent one to say the least. I feel as if I am always running from Him due to so many wrong concepts I have of Him. But He is always there waiting for me to come back. I have always loved that Steve Green song also. I haven’t posted much on here. Every day is a struggle with my high functioning autistic son and has been for the past ten years. Most days it just feels like way too much. But I do believe God has a plan. sometimes it’s so hard to trust though.
Chris I believe that too. God has not only us but our children, especially those with disabilities. So glad to hear from you now. I pray that God will make your son’s gifting clear to you and also to him. Blessings to you dear sister.
I have a special needs daughter also Chris and I know what your going through. I will keep you in my prayers…blessing to you and your family.
I was reading SoS 5 this afternoon, and my heart was NOT happy. Dee, very wise to start the week with the two songs. How quickly I forgot the message in those songs and panicked when I read some of ch 5.
Not sure what I was searching for, but I found a sermon by Spurgeon on Ch 8: The Shulamite’s Choice Prayer. I didn’t listen that carefully or to that much 🙂 but I did hear enough to know that I was being described, and recalled that His love won’t let me go — and my heart was happy. Now I will get back to Ch. 5 (tomorrow!).
Love how He met you, Renee!
2. Read The Song of Songs 5:2-3
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you that He sees you as both sister and bride?
My sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. This means that He is very close, that He is as close as a brother, yet also we are one as He is the lover of my soul.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
Oh yes. She hears Him and longs to be with Him but I think there is a cost-suffering on her part in order to get out of bed, and her flesh says no, whereas her spirit desires Him because she knows that the delights of being with Him far outweighs the comfort she is delighting in now.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
Boy does this parallel! He told them to watch and pray that they may not enter into temptation. At first I was thinking Jesus was telling them to watch for the foxes-or watch for their fleshly bend and ask God to help them turn from it. Actually, though I am wondering now, if He meant commune with God first-keep your eyes on Him, don’t take your affection off of Him for if you do, you will fall into temptation. There is a sense of communion here with Jesus and one another.
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
In SOS like in Revelation-she is neither cold nor hot, and he knows her deeds for He is standing at her door also. By not responding to Him she is saying basically that she doesn’t need Him-she is deceiving herself thinking she doesn’t need Him at that moment lifting herself and her comforts as more ultimate than Him for she is poor and naked without Him-She is dark and NOT lovely without Him.
He is the one who clothes her in beauty trying to clothe herself with her own version of His covering of comfort, but her idol can’t satisfy her like He can.
Also I see a correlation with Him standing and knocking at the door in Revelation with Him standing at the door in SOS. He left in SOS, and in Revelation he says he will spit them out of His mouth. I see that it is the same thing-He will withdraw His presence when we are resting in anything or holding anything as more important or ultimate than Him. YET, I do see Grace! In Rev.3:19-Instead of leaving us to wallow and cutting off relationship-He is faithful and still has us-but He disciplines those He loves-and He encourages us to be earnest and repent, and again gaze on Him as ultimate and we will enjoy Him and being in His presence. Yet there is a sacrifice here..sacrificing our flesh..our natural bend is away so we have to pay attention and keep our eyes on Him.
F. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
There is Myrrh all over the handles of the bolt.
Good thoughts Rebecca. Again the thread of His calling away from idols to full fellowship with Him.
i loved your thought about the myrrh on the handle. I wondered about the myrrh. It stands out because it was one of the wise men’s gifts to baby Jesus. I think there may be more to that.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Love the artwork of the woman. In fact, I loved the SoS commentary Anne found (I remember it from a few years back as well?) last week.
Music was uplifting this morning. Never heard that version of that song. Good stuff.
Happy week, happy life, happy Lord!
Something I wanted to share with how God is moving lately in my life. I can’t help but think also of the Shulamite Maiden’s ‘friends’..and then my mind goes to community-our kindred hearts in Him and how important fellowship is-loving, serving and helping one another and the world will see that and know we are His-and going out and serving together in prisons, to the poor, to the oppressed and downtrodden..what a witness…and I do think this is going on indeed-I do think we are coming out of our ‘individualism’…I think He is moving..This is SO God’s heart that we would be One in Him and go out together..As Dee posted Sarah Groves song-blessed be the tie that Binds..This is what God has been showing me as of late. Our sermon at church was just that on Sunday. God surprised me with it. Just wanting to hear Him!
Rebecca, you are striking cords with me this evening! Yes unity between denominations is His passion! I want to know more about Dee’s thoughts on gifts, especially prophecy. So I asked Google and scored right away with this article http://heatlight.wordpress.com/2007/07/24/earnestly-desire-spiritual-gifts-the-gift-of-prophecy-is-todays-church/ This author’s thoughts on prophecy rang very true with me for they are very like what I feel I have seen and experienced. But the thing that thrilled me even more was the unity he described between believers from many different streams.
Rebecca — I rejoice you have found a good community — and I love your vision. Finding a good community is not just to feed us, though it so does, but that we might be His hands, his feet to the poor, the prisoner, the lost…
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I also like the Werner Sallman painting…love the muted, golden colors in it.
This resonated with me, too, “We forget how wonderful He is, and our excuses are as flimsy as the Shulammite maiden’s excuses.” And, “Such flimsy excuses we have for not responding to the Lord’s still small voice. Yet when we are faithless, He is faithful. His love will NEVER let us go.”
And, “She loses His presence, but NEVER the relationship.”
I had a hard day yesterday. I opened the paper and saw the obituary of a dear neighbor and friend from my childhood…my family, (my parents) lived across the street from Paul and his wife. He knew me from the time I was a baby, watched me grow-up, was at my wedding, knew my children. I have many fond memories of time spent chatting with him when I was very young…he was always outside with his wife, and I’d go over and talk to them all the time. When I got married and would go over to my parents’, and I’d see him out, I’d go over to visit, or even knock at the door if he was inside and I hadn’t seen him for awhile. My kids knew him too. The last time I saw him was almost two years ago…he had had a stroke and was in a nursing home and I went to see him; after that, he went to live with his daughter. We always exchanged Christmas cards…last year, his son sent me Paul’s card and did the writing for him. He was 94, and I know he suffered these last two years…seeing that in the paper brought an unexpected flood of tears, and I was too emotional to go to church. I probably shouldn’t have backed away from going to church, but my eyes were all red and I felt I could cry more, so I retreated. A small inner voice was telling me I should make myself go, but I had flimsy excuses…I told myself I’m not close enough to anyone at church anyways to share my emotions with.
So all this about God remaining faithful, and losing His presence but not the relationship, makes me think that He is the God of second (and third…) chances, the God of missed opportunities…no matter how many times I respond the wrong way or mess-up, He doesn’t throw-up His arms and say enough.
oh dear Susan, I am so sorry for your loss and more pain. So like you to have cared so deeply for this neighbor. I imagine your parents are grieved too and you are being a support to all, but have such a burden yourself. Paying for you my sister–for strength and joy amidst all you endure daily.
Oh Susan, this is so hard…I am so sorry. Did this dear man know Jesus as his saviour? I hope so. May the Lord comfort you and your parents and all of this man’s family.
Father, I lift up Susan, asking for Your comfort for her, and for her to know how much you love her, and give her abundant grace.
In His Name, I ask.
Susan, so sorry that you have had a dear neighbour and childhood friend die. At times like this the memories come flooding back and your emotional response is understandable. Praying for you and your family at this time.
Susan
Im sorry for your loss and the way you found out. I too just found out a really close friend whom I lost contact with last year, died unexpectedly. Her sister friended me on FB and before I knew it I was asking about her…then I saw the photo of her grave…and I was in shock. She died August of 2012, the last time we chatted was April 2012 and she was deleting her FB account. I didnt question why and just said we would catch up later, that we would celebrate her 40th together….she never made it to 40. I cried, I was so mad that no one told me. My own uncle performed her funeral at his funeral home, her family asked several of my family members to let me know. I ended up calling her mother a few weeks ago when I found out, I just cried…My friend and I met 21 years ago at church camp after I gave my life to the Lord…My only peace is knowing I will see her one day again, just sad how our last words were left hanging… Many hugs to you Susan, I know your pain.
I’m sorry for your loss of your friend, Staci. I think that was so thoughtful of you to call her mom…it lets her know how much you loved and cared about her daughter.
Susan, I am just seeing this. I am so sorry the pain you felt upon reading the obituary. I actually have tears myself because your story of Paul is so heartfelt. Isn’t it amazing the impact we all make on each other? I think it has to do with the verses in SoS we are studying; how others should see Jesus in us. That’s what you and Paul had. Thinking of getting old, especially with my mom in bad shape right now. Praying for your peace right now.
2. A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you that He see you as both sister and darling? What else does he call her? He calls her “my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one.” What interests me most is that this is love of Hollywood – the love that we idealize and dream of as young girls imagining our princes coming. This is the love of great novels and fiery romance tales. And yet, while they have a lot of the attributes right, they mistake who the subjects should be. Christ to us, us to Christ. And, really, this kind of love is impossible in any relationship without Him, though i do see increase in my love for my husband and hope that we can continue to grow what the Lord has given us. The beauty of this relationship is not only the closeness but it matches the longing He placed in me, there is no settling, there is no concession made for a “lesser relationship”. At least on our part, I know His patience abounds. Again, he calls her flawless, this is an oft repeated theme through the whole book, perhaps to emphasize how important it is, or perhaps to continue to have us ponder it in order that we may understand.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you? Yes. Our pastor this week talked about “power along the way”. He argued that God doesn’t give strength for the task until we are “on the way” (using the Red Sea parting as an example, the sea didn’t split until their feet touched the water). Meaning that when we rise and start walking in obedience is when God transforms our hearts, gives us strength, gives us words, etc. I can see that here. I lay in my bed asking God for strength, imagining, perhaps, a large hand would reach down and lift me and push me towards the tasks at hand. However, I must obey, I want to, but my flesh is weak, but in my physical obedience is where He will empower me. There is more to say about this (and others have already) but this is my thought this morning. So many times I practice “delayed obedience” but this is still disobedience, and by the time I get to the door, He is gone. God, may I always respond quickly in order to fully experience what You have for me.
C. In Matthew 26:41. what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts? “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Yep. I am always grateful when Old Testament is reiterated by Christ or other New Testament books. I need to be aware, know what is sin so that I do not fall prey to the temptation. A friend and I were speaking of this, many times we excuse sin with the thought that “its just how I am”, this is dangerous as we then have justified sin.
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3? Other than the obvious parallel of knocking on the door and answering. I see a lack of perspective. The bride on the bed is consumed of self, concerned about what is required of her rather than her heart turned toward God in constant readiness. Same in Revelation those He is speaking to are naive in their perspective thinking they are rich and have all they need when instead they are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” They are consumed with self instead of turned toward Christ in constant readiness. Ready to respond.
E. What evidence is there that He has been knocking for awhile? His head is “drenched with dew” and her hands came away from the handle dripping with myrrh. This is also a question for my life. What evidence is there that He has been knocking for awhile? Unsettled areas of my heart, tension in relationships. Sometimes I don’t answer the door because I am so concerned with what I think the answer to the issue is that I do not even hear Him knocking. Or I am concerned about where He will ask me to go. Could I just have Him come in awhile and settle me (like the song I shared last week, could I just sit here awhile and let you melt away my fears).
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer: confession, thanksgiving, praise.
God in heaven, You are all I need. Life comes only from You, may my heart and my eyes stay fixed on you and not on things or deeds. Let my heart rest in your grace and not turn to works for security. Let me hear your voice. Forgive me my distractions, my altered focus, my attempts to win you over. Forgive my weight system as I see how blessed I am and then ignore the “small” things that You have called to refinement. May I follow Your voice. May I be energized by obedience to You, as I walk in obedience, transform me, renew me, refresh me. All I need, You are all I need. I choose to do the right thing (Your thing), may my eyes never waver and my strength be increased as I go about what You have called me to. You are my joy. Amen.
Jill, Thanks. I’m absorbing this: “So many times I practice “delayed obedience” but this is still disobedience…”
Jill — you beautifully modeled how to use this scripture as a springboard for prayer.
O Love that Wilt not Let Me Go was going through my head at work today — the Indelible Grace version 🙂 but it sounded a little less “country” going through my head!
sweet Renee–you made me laugh! Love that it was in your head! I’m a big Indelible Grace fan–I never thought of them as “country”–but then, I’m from Texas 😉
Elizabeth, 🙂 Not sure that I’ve thought of all their stuff as “country” — but I definitely felt like it with this one. Still, the melody stuck!! And some newer country music is growing on me (just a little 😉 )
2. A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship?
Sister, darling, dove, perfect one. All are prefaced with “My”…possessive, she is “His.” Each term is another facet of His love…His love is all encompassing.
What does it mean to you.
I am wow’ed by it. Intellectually I know that by Jesus’ death and resurrection He freed me from sin, clothes me in His righteousness, makes me a daughter of God…heart-wise it is over-the top…it leaves me in awe.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
Yes…there appears to be an internal struggle. In the text she “sleeps” but there is an expectancy (a hope?) in her heart that awaits His coming to her. Isn’t this similar to us? We tire with onslaughts of the evil one and our own sinful nature, yet our hearts have expectancy…we hope, we pray…we are taken away, we are woo’ed to a different place for our heart and soul (e.g., love, joy, peace).
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
“the spirit is willing, but the body is weak”
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
The church in Laodicea has lost sight of its need for the Lord…of His blessings in their lives…has she as well? They have become to think they are self-sufficient, self-reliant rather than reliant on the Lord. They use the Lord when they want and need; they are not truly engaged in Him or His efforts…the Lord is on the perimeter.
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
His head/hair is wet from the wetness of the night and dew (morning?).
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you that He sees you as both sister and darling? What else does he call her?
He calls her my beloved, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. I think it is a bit strange he calls her a sister. Sisters come from the same parent….that’s weird to me. They also can be protectors though, I guess. Doves are symbols of peace, gentleness, innocence, and tenderness.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
It’s how I feel every morning trying to get up to start the day! I want to do my Bible study, but I am NOT a morning person at all 🙁 I absolutely can’t wait for this next weekend…the best day of the year; FALL BACK! Extra hour!! Woo-hoo!
This girl is too busy chilling out to be bothered to get up. Can’t believe she would act that way really.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
He said to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
In Revelation, the church is neither cold nor hot. In SoS the bride is the same. Who could be bothered? He is revolted by the non-committal of it all. She thinks she is “all set,” in SoS, and the church does as well in Revelation. There is a door in both, where Jesus knocks. In Revelation He wants to enter and eat with the church. In SoS, He seems to need assistance from the bride and she is unwilling to get up and provide the necessary help. He wants the one who helps him (in Revelation) to be afforded the same rights He was by God.
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
He is wet! He must have been standing waiting for a looonnnggg time!
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? He calls her “sister” and “darling.” It shows that He wants their relationship to be intimate. He speaks to her in terms of endearment.
What does it mean to you that He sees you as both sister and darling? He sees me as a sister because we have the same Father. He sees me as darling because He loves me so much and pours His affection upon me.
What else does he call her? “My dove, my flawless one.” I think “dove” implies a small, helpless creature that needs to be cared for. “My flawless one” indicates He is so much in love with her that he cannot see her faults.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you? Yes, sometimes when I am having difficulty sleeping, it is like my body is sleeping but my mind is still racing along on whatever is troubling my spirit.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts? He said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.”
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3? Both passages mention the Lord standing at the door and knocking. In both cases the Lord is not being responded to properly. The bride in SOS didn’t want to put out the extra effort once she had bathed her feet and had gotten comfortable under the covers. In Revelation, the believers in the church in Laodicea were indifferent, lukewarm. They thought they were making it on their own, saying they were rich and did not need anything. But Christ tells them that they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked!
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while? His hair is drenched with dew — that really would be standing there for a long time!
Use the above passage as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus, I am so sorry for the times I have treated you poorly — times when I was really into my comfort idol and didn’t want to move or change. I heard you knocking, but it just seemed that it would “take so much” for me to get up and follow the way you wanted me to do. I am so thankful for your forgiveness, that you didn’t just give up on me and go away. Your love and forgiveness mean so much to me — I don’t understand myself sometimes –I don’t know what gets into me! Please take my hand again and guide me so that I can glide along beside you holding tightly. Amen.
Sunday
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
In The Song of Songs, Christ is knocking on the door of His Bride, and she is very slow to respond to Him. In Revelation, again, He is knocking on the door of the church at Laodicea, and they too lack passion.
~I feel this is me lately…not lukewarm….just busy, this time of year is so busy for me…I long to just sit at Jesus feet and do nothing but cry, and soak in his love for me. Im so grateful for His love never gives up on me. I feel very slow to respond to Jesus at times. Busyness gets in the way….sometimes my busyness is not in vain…but if it comes before time with my One true Love…then is it worth it? Forgive me where I fail Jesus. Thank you for your unfailing, unending love for me.
http://youtu.be/j_xz7LsWRvI Here is my version of the above song I love. It’s beautiful.
Thanks for sharing, Staci — lovely!
3. Read The Song of Songs 5:3-5
A. What excuses does she give for not responding?
She just took off her robe and washed her feet, must she have to put it back on again and soil her feet again?
B. Be alert (and pray now about this) for giving an excuse — then try to identify the lie. Record it here.
Lord my heart is prone to wander and it did last night in our ladies bible study, Forgive me for forgetting you are God and I am not! I am so grateful my heart was ‘warring’ for you are faithful but I am growing tired of my sinful nature-of Baal on my lips, and I want my fruit to be beautiful and my aroma pleasing to you and I know last night it wasn’t-I hate this in me! Lord I am lazy in coming to you on behalf of others-instead I can be critical of some prayer requests! Last night I would rather lie in my comfortable bed of pride then get my knees dirty clinging to You, for it would require me to suffer. I need you to come and rip this root out in my garden Lord. Help me to not take satisfaction in anyone or anything but You. Help me not to trim my sails to the prevailing winds of the desire of approval from others for you are lovely-for Your love never fails. As high as the heavens are above the Earth so great is Your Love for me. Your Love is as powerful and fierce as a chariot of fire, yet as gentle as a dove. Your faithfulness is as sure as the morning sun. Help me, in the moments that will come today to tempt me to stay in bed, to run to the door and open and enjoy being with You for You are the most beautiful and You are above all!
C. When she does arise, what happens to her heart? What does this tell you?
Her heart sank. She was truly repentant and she desired Him for His presence wasn’t there. This tells me she is His to begin with. She couldn’t manufacture this desire for Him for her flesh is unable to.
Lord thank you for this longing inside of me for You for it comes from you, not me. Thank you for helping me see when my heart is wandering, for your pursuit of me when I am at war inside-thank you for fighting for me-thank you for not crushing me, but for leaving your Myrrh on the handle-I need you, oh I need you every hour I need you, my one defense my righteousness, OH God how I need you. Teach my song to rise to you when temptation comes my way today, and when I cannot stand I’ll fall on you-you are my hope and stay. I love you.
Oh, this is one of my favorites. It brings tears every time, always seems to dissolve distractions and focus my heart. Give Me Jesus, Fernando Ortega
Like! (and I haven’t opened it yet!)
oh i love this song! Listened to it the other day. BEautiful
3. Read The Song of Songs 5:3-5.
A. What excuses does she give for not responding? I looked at several translations, curious, and some say “How could I?” and some say “Why should I?” I truly wish I could read the original text to better understand. Her excuses are that she is already disrobed and has feet clean. She is already in bed, perhaps asleep. Some translations said that she was dreaming so possibly not fully aware of him at the door until he tries to enter? I keep trying to figure out a “good reason” why she wouldn’t have responded, but I suppose that is perhaps just myself trying to justify my lack of response….
B. Be alert (and pray now about this) for giving an excuse – then try to identify the lie. Record it here. The lie is – people who hurt me don’t deserve my friendship. The lie continues – if I just distance myself from them it is self-preservation and that is good, everyone tells me to “keep myself safe.” The lie concludes – I need friends to make me feel loved and to pour into me so I am not empty. Sigh. Oh what horridness. Oh, sweet confession, cleanses the heart. The truth? He is all I need. Truly.
C. When she does arise, what happens to her heart? What does this tell you? New Revised Standard Version says “my inmost being yearned for him.” I like that. There is something that happens between him calling for her and him trying the door, I cannot decipher what it is but she goes from focused on the inconvenience of getting up to yearning for him, having her heart awakened, quickened, and seeking him. There is no more mention of her garment or her feet, it is assumed she put on the garment and got her feet dirty but she doesn’t say so, she doesn’t care. She is intent on finding her love, the world around her disappears as she eagerly seeks with a sense of urgency.
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer.
“God, I look to You. Give me vision, to see things like You do.” God awaken my heart, may I be unconcerned of things of this world, may I seek only you. May my feet always be dirty from the pursuit of Godly things. May my garment never be taken off in order to be ready to respond. May “my inmost being yearn” for You, always. Give me weapons of truth to fight the evil lies in my heart. Give me vision to see Your purpose in my life and circumstances and not my own. Give me understanding. May my hands drip with the essence of You, may my life have the essence of Christ and be a pleasing living sacrifice. God, You are good, You are right, You are amazing, You are all I need. Thank you, for filling me, for pursuing me, for loving me, for knocking on the door till I answer and allowing me to find You! Amen.
(* lyrics from God, I look to You by Bethel music)
2. D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
In SoS, the bride is asleep, or at least in a sense, she is. She is content and sleepy, in a dreamlike state, hearing her beloved call, yet comfortable and getting up to him seems to require too much effort. In Revelation 3, the church of Laodicea is comfortable in its pleasures of riches and feels it lacks nothing, not needing Jesus very much. In both passages, the Beloved knocks. When the bride does rouse herself to answer the door, she finds him gone but he has left his mark on the door, his myrrh. I feel this is the mark that is saying that the bride will not find him now until she has searched and suffered in the seeking of Him, which does happen in the following verses. In Revelation 3, Jesus warns that the church is must be refined by fire (suffering or persecution), by clothed with the white garments of suffering to cover its nakedness, and ointment to make them truly see. Verse 19 says, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” Scripture often points out that for the believer to truly be made mature, he must be disciplined. Jesus is not all you need until He is all you have.
Diane — your last sentence — so see that in prison — and I know you are experiencing that in your grief
Jesus is not all you need until He is all you have.
What a statement, love that!
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer: confession, thanksgiving, petition.
Jesus, I was too complacent with my life, too secure and self-assured. This is why you have ripped from me my security in family, and material security. Yet, I have resented intensely your intrusion, this taking away. I have wept bitterly at the loss. Now, gently you come to me and ask again, “Will you forgive me for taking away these things? Will you trust me that I have reasons and a plan that you cannot see? Do you love me more than these things that I have taken away?”
This morning, You gave me this verse,
“‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'” Luke 22:31-32
Satan has your permission to sift me as wheat. Satan has taken from me some very precious things. Yet You yourself will never leave me. You have prayed for me that my faith may not fail and it has not, though it has been shaken to its very roots and at times I have been tempted to give up. As Peter, I have wept bitterly. Then You restored Peter asking him three times, “Do you love me more than these?” To which Peter replied, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” (John 21)
I repent, Lord. I have resisted you. I have loved my pleasures, my comfort more than you. I love you, Lord. You alone are worthy of glory and honor and praise. Restore me, Lord, as you did Peter. May my lips speak Your highest praise. May I too strengthen my brothers and sisters. May I live as the songwriter says, “You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.”
Here is Kathy Troccoli’s version of “Knowing You”. I can truly identify with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k22uFPUUmFI
Diane, I am moved by your entire post, your prayer which I know comes from your suffering and your heart for the Lord. I can relate to the weeping bitterly for losses, to loving my comfort and pleasures more than Him. and yes, to being complacent and at times, self-assured. By being so transparent, Diane, you are strengthening your sisters here.
Ugh! I’ve been having a hard time with these verses for at least a couple of reasons: 1) I maybe was taking to literally that she didn’t get out of bed. I do have a hard time waking up (even to go to the bathroom! You’d think I have to go to an outhouse during a ND winter!!); 2) I started to punish myself rather than see His grace, His love, His forgiveness. and 3) When she did get up, he was gone. SCARY!!
1) If I do consider “not getting out of bed” as lack of obedience, my lame excuses occur the night before. Although, regardless of the time I go to bed, I’m likely to be in somewhat of a fog until mid-morning, although the depth of the fog varies based on what I do during the night. I think my lame excuses occur more during the day — when I do struggle with independence. Often, my excuses are even morally right! But in my stubbornness to get what I want or to force (!) people to do what I think is right, I don’t allow Him to lead me and protect me or to work in the situation (yeah, I see a control idol). When others are wronged, I’d like to wave the flag of truth from the top of a flagpole so the powers-that-be have to change — and I bought the flag last week 🙂 I am so grateful to Him for protecting me; today, I received an opportunity to not climb the flagpole. It’s not necessarily that a specific behavior is sin (e.g., sometimes not getting out of bed may be sin—sometimes it isn’t; sometimes waving the truth flag might be sin– sometimes it isn’t). I’m hoping the application of these verses is related to my heart’s response to, submission to Him.
2) When I saw that I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to do (getting up), I wrestled with whether I should beat myself up/punish myself. I didn’t go as far in that direction as I did in the past, but I also didn’t know what to do or think — except go back to the songs posted at the beginning of this lesson, including both versions 🙂 of O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go and google 🙂 (when I stumbled into Spurgeon). Considering what all is out there on the Internet, I definitely see God’s leading!
3) I also was troubled that He was gone when she finally did go to the door. HE WAS GONE! I had considered a sexual interpretation of these verses; if He had forced his way in, it would have been rape.
She felt desperate, and I felt desperate just reading this. This morning, I talked to someone about these verses. The conversation was related to the love of God and the fear of God; that the purpose of discipline is to bring us to repentance, to experiencing safety in Him. The person I spoke with did remind me of the rest of the book 🙂
Last week, after listening to the Christine Wyrtzen song, Precious, I also listened to another one that I listened to years ago, The Fire. Sometimes the Fire comes because of my own disobedience or “delayed obedience” (Thanks, Jill!), and sometimes it is the result of sins of others or living in a fallen world. As long as I live in repentance, depending totally on Him, and accepting His forgiveness, maybe I don’t need to “figure out” whether each instance of not getting out of bed is sin.I know I didn’t directly answer the questions. I do have a hard time “not doing things right!” 🙂 But I wanted to be able to read the verses and not drive myself crazy before I moved on. Yup, God, in His grace, is showing me His amazing love and teaching me to wait for Him.
Renee — Your sexual interpretation was interesting.
I think you need to give yourself some grace for being a slow waker upper and see this more as responsiveness to His Spirit all through the day…
I remember one of my professors in Seminary said, “Revelation 3:20 should never be taught as a Salvation verse. I repeat, NEVER!”
I am jvery glad that my Mom never heard anyone say that to her, because if she had, I might not know the Lord right now.
Pastor E.V. Hill preached a sermon at Coral Ridge (D. James Kennedy) entitled, “I don’t want to go to Hell.” He leads the sermon by saying, There are 3 or four personal reasons why I’m glad I accepted Jesus Christ. This first is…. I don’t want to go to hell. The audience erupts in laughter at that point.
I know that is why I came to Christ. 43 years later, however, Jesus is still knocking on the door of my heart, as in Song of Songs 5. Perhaps we have a series of chambers in our heart. We let him into the outermost chamber at Salvation, and he is continually knocking on more secret chambers of our heart once he is in.
JR-LOVE what you have shared “We let him into the outermost chamber at Salvation, and he is continually knocking on more secret chambers of our heart once he is in.”
It reminded me of Spurgeon’s Devotional on Revelation 3:20:
What is your desire this evening? Is it set upon heavenly things? Do you long to enjoy the high doctrine of eternal love? Do you desire liberty in very close communion with God? Do you aspire to know the heights, and depths, and lengths, and breadths?
Then you must draw ear to Jesus; you must get a clear sight of Him in His preciousness and completeness: you must view Him in His work, in His offices, in His person. He who understands Christ, receives an anointing from the Holy One, by which He knows all things.
Christ is the great master-key of all the chambers of God: there is no treasure-house of God which will not open and yield up all its wealth to the soul that lives near to Jesus. Are you saying, “O that He would dwell in my bosom”? “Would that He would make my heart His dwelling-place for ever”? Open the door, beloved, and He will come into your souls. He has long been knocking, and all with this object, that He may sup with you, and you with Him.
He sups with you because you find the house or the heart, and you with Him because He brings the provision. He could not sup with you if it were not in your heart, you finding the house; nor could you sup with Him, for you have a bare cupboard, if He did not bring provision with Him. Fling wide, then, the portals of your soul. He will come with that love which you long to feel; He will come with that joy into which you cannot work your poor depressed spirit; He will bring the peace which now you have not; He will come with His flagons of wine and sweet apples of love, and cheer you till you have no other sickness but that of “love o’erpowering, love divine.” Only open the door to Him, drive out His enemies, give Him the keys of your heart, and He will dwell there for ever. Oh, wondrous love, that brings such a guest to dwell in such a heart!
What a powerful Spurgeon devotional, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth — I too loved the Spurgeon devotional. I found another below and figured out how to link — as you did so happily months ago!
love this, beautiful!
Thanks Elizabeth….a very appropriate quote by Spurgeon. I am intrigued by your “Hope” Street Sign Icon.
J.R.
Love this, JR:
I too think we must forever be letting Him come “further up and farther in”, deeper and deeper. He is still knocking. Thanks for your testimony here.
Happy Birthday, my son! I remember praying, even though I didn’t yet know the Lord, that you would not be born on Halloween. That’s because He has his hand on me, just as He did on you — so if it hadn’t been me, it would have been another way He would have made you His! But that I am of the theological persuasion and you not so much.
I love love the different chambers of your heart analogy.
Happy birthday, J R. I don’t know you but appreciate your mom so much and have seen your work for us and your occasional drop in comments here. You are a brother in Christ. I will be happy to meet you some day in heaven.
Amen Diane….Here, there, or in the air!
Thanks for “dropping in” here, JR, and a Happy Birthday to you, too! I like your thoughts about chambers of the heart. I took a walk with my mom today, and I related to her your mom’s story about how she was teaching Sunday school and saying that Jesus is knocking on the door to your heart, and you wanted to let Him in…then I said how you say now that He is still knocking, wanting to move in even further to all those ‘secret chambers’ that we want to keep Him out of.
How did your Mom respond?
She listened but didn’t say anything…I don’t think she has a personal relationship with the Lord, and she has early-stage Alzheimer’s. But I am encouraged that she listens, and a couple of weeks ago, she agreed to sit down with me and read the Bible.
3. Read the Song of Song 5:3-5
Her first excuses were more whining, she had just gotten comfortable and then was expected to get up to answer the door. I think the lie might be that she was focused on herself and what she saw as her immediate comfort and in her surroundings and didn’t see past that to realize that things would be better if she opened the door. When she does get up her heart reacts in joy and excitement in anticipation of her opening the door. She took her time in deciding to open the door and by the time she did, he had moved on (but that’s the next verse).
I wonder if she was more “what about this or what about that” kind of thinking asking all kinds of questions before it occurred her that her questions and complaining were getting in the way of opening the door to Him. I wonder if that is what I do sometimes, ask all kinds of questions, to me I am just wondering (or perhaps pondering) is my wondering or pondering on a certain thing more of looking at where I am, not at what the Lord wants me to see. If I delay in responding to Him, then do I delay the reason He was knocking at the door for, do I lose it entirely or do I have to go running after Him to get it…either way I wonder if in this setting I “lose the moment” of whatever He wishes to share.
That instant obedience — how I pray for that in my heart too, Mary-Canada! A matter of trusting His love — don’t you think?
2. Read The Song of Songs 5:2-3
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you
that He sees you as both sister and darling? What else does he call her?
He calls her his lover,sister,darling, dove, flawless one~wow…the fact God sees us so clean, lovely,pure even in our sin is true love. It shows me how dear we are to God and how magnificent His love is for us, it’s the covenant love that loves unconditionally, in our good and bad times.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
I keep reading this verse, even before I got to this question…wondering what part of me is sleeping? My spiritual self, physical, my mind or all. Im using my husband’s Thompson Chain bible and it has off to the right Rev. 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” I think our heart yearns for God, even when we dont realize it, we know we are yearning for love, and searching…our answer is that personal relationship with Him. I found it odd I accidentally turned to Phill. 3:20 and read it not realizing I was looking for Rev. 3:20. I love how Phil. kind of makes the point here, it reads “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” We are eagerly awaiting to reunite with our Lord, and our heart even knows it…yearns for that day.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
Jesus said to watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Jesus in us is willing but our flesh gets the best of us sometimes. Something I struggle with a lot. Especially my thought process at times, Im really seeking God in this area and I know key is watching and praying…watching in a sense to me what I allow myself to be consumed with…tv shows, negativism, gossip, thoughts that are not from God about myself or others. Prayer and the bible are key and basking in His love for me. It’s amazing how His love conquers worry, anxiety and fear. Im still learning all this. I know this, but my mind does not always retain what my heart knows of God’s love for me.
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
I love in Rev. how Jesus compares people trying to get wealth, but not the right kind of wealth…that only comes from God, that changes our hearts towards Him. We struggle to obtain things of the world, all the while missing what God longs to give us spiritually. Sometimes becoming lukewarm or complacent in our own lives..thinking all the while we are fine…and not realizing Jesus is knocking at our hearts…our heart yearns for Him…but we become to busy with life and we spiritually sleep through His knocks at our heart, not even realizing it at times. I am guilty of this.
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
His hair is wet, He has been sweating in the attempt to get our attention, in the dampness of the night to me symbolizes he even gave up rest to seek us out. His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me…I hear the song ‘One Thing Remains’ .
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer: confession, thanksgiving, petition
Thank you Lord for your unfailing love, you never give up or run out on me. Thank you Lord for always knocking on the door of my heart and never giving up on me, even when I fail to answer the knocks. Thank you for your undying love for me, even when I dont deserve it.
http://youtu.be/o_o6s5X5LSw
Here is the song I mentioned above One Thing Remains the lyrics are beautiful.
Staci – perfect song for this section!
Thanks, Staci! Perfect — love this song.
4. Read The Song of Songs 5:6-7
A. Describe what happens in this passage.
She missed her lover’s knocking, she took to long to answer in silencing His knocking. To me God will knock and knock but HE will never force His love on us…I get sad reading this passage. She missed her lover, her heart sank at his departure…I have felt that at times.Feeling the nudge of the Holy Spirit calling me to the Lord and I say not now…Im so busy, hoping the Lord will understand…all knowing when I do seek Him, I dont feel that nudge like I did from the Holy Spirit knocking…my heart sank…too many times to count. It can leave you feeling alone at times, and the watchmen can represent the unkind world just making you feel even worse. Sometimes in unkind words and gestures from other Christians..truth.
B. Why are the watchmen beating her? Nancy Leigh deMoss was not sure if it was discipline or persecution. What do you think and why?
I think they could be beating her for both reasons or it can be a metaphor of the unkind world, or us even beating up ourselves for not spending time with God. Getting down or upset with ourselves for letting life get in the way, becoming lukewarm or complacent. I know we all go through this, so this is just my take on it.
Richard Sibbes believes the shepherds have become wolves, and how painful it is when suffering is caused by those who were appointed to care for our souls. I find some comfort here however in God acknowledging this happens — and yet she will not back away, she is still seeking her Beloved. Unfortunately, many, especially the young, when abused by the church, back away from the Lord. But here, she does not. She goes to the daughters of Jerusalem, who are also a part of the bride, though less mature than she.
Use the above passage as a springboard for prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me when I fail to answer the knocking of the Holy Spirit on my heart, to spend time with you. May I not overthink and get in a slump over it all, may I pursue your unending, unfailing love for me. To realize you do hear my hearts cry, even when I mess up. Thank you Jesus for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Amen.
4. Read The Song of Songs 5:6-7
A. Describe what happens in this passage.
After she opened the door, he was gone and her heart was broken-she deeply longed to be with Him and more than missed His presence. The watchmen found her, beat her, bruised her and took away her cloak.
B. Why are the watchmen beating her? Nancy Leigh deMoss was not sure if it was discipline or persecution. What do you think and why?
I am not sure. It seems they misunderstand her thirst for Him because perhaps they don’t have it. It seems to me to treat her this way means that they are bound by their idols like she was but the difference is that she sets her eyes on Him and has a deeper affection and desire for Him than they have-seems like they worship their rules over Him. Why beat a woman who has a repentive heart-who failed yet is desperately desiring to be with Him again-you beat her if your heart is cold toward Him.
That’s my sense on the watchmen too Rebecca — but can’t be sure.
Just found this — Spurgeon on the Song of Song’s knocking passage — 3 minutes and great!
2. Read The Song of Songs 5:2-3
A. What name does he call her, and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you that He sees you as both sister and darling? What else does he call her?
He calls her “my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one”. She is all these things to him…as close as a sister, his ‘darling’ – a name of endearment-dear to his heart; his ‘dove’ – something lovely, pure, gentle, and ‘flawless one’ – she is exquisitely perfect in his eyes. I sense his intense desire to be near her. When I imagine Him calling me His sister, His darling, it gives me a vision of a smile on His face when He looks at me. That he calls her a sister-my sister, speaks of a closeness, sharing secrets, a family bond. I imagine holding hands and laughing and sharing each other’s joy. I think God is always modeling for us the way relationship is supposed to be, the way it was created to be before sin entered the picture. Within the Trinity and in His relationship with us, He shows us what it looks like, perfectly, as He is Father, Husband, Bridegroom, Brother, and Friend…and what it looks like for me to be the child, wife-bride, sister, and friend. All these earthly relationships disappoint because we sin, but all is found perfectly in Him.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
Yes; to me, this pictures the constant battle between the flesh and the spirit. When I “sleep”, I choose to believe a lie; I choose to put things off that I know I should do now, or very soon; I refuse to deal with my own sin, or emotional baggage or pain; I back-up from God; I let grievances grow and take root, allowing resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness to take hold; I ignore the reality of a situation and pretend it’s not there or hope it will go away on its own or that someone else will take care of it for me; I deceive myself into thinking that there will be time to do whatever ‘later’; I refuse to take responsibility, choosing to be immature rather than mature. I allow relationships to grow cool – even with Him, not wanting to do the hard work of nurturing them.
But my heart, deep down, by His grace, is still “awake”…the Spirit continues to prompt, to convict, to pursue, I just had a thought that to the unbeliever who is truly “asleep”, there is no “but my heart was awake…” it is a deathly sleep.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
“The spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Yes, how we make promises to God, to ourselves, to others. We will do this or that. But we fail to deliver most of the time, and He understands because He knows our frame, that we are sinful and weak.
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with Song of Songs 5:2-3?
“I know that you are neither cold nor hot…so, because you are lukewarm…” – She is not totally cold-indifferent to him, but she is not hot, either. She is giving him a lukewarm response at the moment.
“You say, I am rich…I do not need a thing…but you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” – She was comfortable in her bed, thinking she doesn’t really need him right now – he can wait until morning. My comfort idol deceives me, too, to my being poor, naked, and wretched without His presence.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…” – Her lover is also standing at the door and knocking, requesting that she open the door to him. It is up to the church and her to willingly open the door.
E. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
His head and hair are drenched with the dew and the dampness of the night, so he has been out there for a while. I also thought that he must have anticipated her quickly opening to him as he didn’t take the time to cover his head to keep it from getting wet.
Use the above verse as a springboard for prayer…
It’s hard to put it all down, after just letting this passage lead me into conversation and prayer with the Lord, but I “saw” things in this passage that I didn’t before that were personally convicting to me. I prayed about my own heart…that I want to be more like David, who was so broken over his sin…David didn’t have Jesus and the Cross in the picture, but he was broken over losing his enjoyment of his closeness, the presence, of God. Yet I know he didn’t lose the relationship because God pursued David through the prophet Nathan. Yet I have Jesus and the Cross…I thought of Jesus being out in the night, in the garden of Gethsemane, where he was in such distress that His sweat was like great drops of blood…this compared to “My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night”…his standing out there for so long, knocking, knocking. And my cavalier attitude often towards my sin, not being broken over what it did to Jesus…”I have taken off my robe – must I put it on again? I have washed my feet – must I soil them again?” How I am so often “asleep” in this way to what sin did to Jesus…I would rather have my ‘comforts’ around me…maintain my approval from others, my own comfort and security.
How I have put up walls to protect my heart from pain, instead of opening the door…”O batter my heart, Three-Person’d God…” How easily I shut the door to Him yet how the door of my past – past sin, guilt, shame, never quite closes. I need to turn away from that door and hear His voice, saying “Open to Me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one…”so often it is that which keeps me from opening the door to Him! The ugliness of my past seems to mock what He calls me now, makes it hard for me to believe it.
Oh, Susan. I am sure we all can identify with your words. Thanks for your open honesty. He loves you so.
As Jesus says, we are “hard of heart and slow to believe”.
God, we believe. Help our unbelief.
Susan — your paralleling Donne’s poem with this passage is breathtaking…batter my heart…
oh wait-so I missed this from Susan..must read!
OH my-YES..the reference to Donne’s poem..and this whole post was wonderful-I so see evidence of Him battering your heart!
4. Read The Song of Songs 5:6-7 A. Describe what happens in this passage.
She opened the door for her beloved, but he was gone. She wanted him, went out to look for him, and ran into the watchmen who beat her.
B. Why are the watchmen beating her? Nancy Leigh deMoss was not sure if it was discipline or persecution. What do you think and why?
I think maybe there isn’t a big difference between persecution and discipline that has gone bad. It doesn’t seem too smart for a woman in that time and place to be going out alone at night.
Ch. 3 doesn’t indicate that they beat her when she went out looking for him before. The difference between the two times could have been that she wasn’t yet married to him or their love hadn’t been consummated yet the first time. If that’s the case, the watchmen could have been punishing her for not being with her beloved. Or, it could have been different watchmen. But it feels like more than/worse than discipline, either severe punishment or nastiness. It doesn’t seem as if punishment would lead to change since she already was searching for him. The watchmen’s behavior seems mean and inconsistent, not a loving discipline.
Her beloved did leave after knocking for awhile; he must’ve known the dangers of the night watchmen. Even after she was beaten, she continued to look for him. Is it stretching this passage too far to say that the discipline is from him because he allowed her to go out and search, to be beaten? Unfortunately, I don’t think it is that unusual for perseverance and love for God to increase as people pursue Him through and despite barriers put in place by some shepherds. It seems like sin (Shulamite woman’s delay in opening the door) sometimes brings out the worst/ the control idols of overseers, and they take punishment into their own hands. I do see that refining takes place through this process.
But it still seems strange from a human relationship perspective that he loved her, he left, she was beaten (he probably even knew it was happening), she kept looking, and then they found each other. What is challenging is that he could have prevented or stopped the beating. SO, maybe what is “simply” the consequences of not responding to her beloved immediately and then going out at night serves as a discipline to strengthen her desire for him. She was battered but still alive and looking.
It also strikes me NOW 🙂 that the beating was one verse in the much bigger story of his initiation and her search. Sometimes I tend to make the beating my whole story!!!
Yea! Me too. That is worth pondering. If what we focus on is the suffering, then isn’t it still about us, instead of about Him?
Renee and Diane–what you have said here about focusing on our suffering reminds me of my reading today in Lamentations 3. For the first 20 verses it is all about the pain he has suffered, and then in verse 19 he says “Remember my affliction and my wanderings,the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers itand is bowed down within me.But this I call to mind,and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; Hismercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.” It is striking to me how even in Scripture we see that the focus on his affliction led to depression–but the hope comes when he remembers the Lord’s faithfulness. I had read this earlier, and thought of you already Diane–how you have continued to seek Him, even as you have to crawl through such a muddy, painful path–I see you, continuing to stay in His presence.
2. Read The Song of Songs 5:2-3 … a sister, a bride. Amazingly, this is how Jesus sees us. Not as servants, but friends. Not as distant, but as His bride.
A. What names does he call her and what does this tell you about the beauty of this relationship? What does it mean to you that He sees you as both sister and bride?
Sister brings to mind familiarity—my sisters have known me since I was a baby, there is a comfortableness. Ideally, there is acceptance, love, in spite of knowing each other’s weaknesses. A bride is the one who is chosen over all others. There is intimacy—fully exposed, fully accepted.
B. Richard Sibbes sees two warring parts of our soul in “I sleep, but my heart waketh.” Do you?
The spirit is willing, but my flesh is so weak. I think there are many times I feel Him close by, waiting for me, but I resist. I choose what seems more “productive”, more attainable?, easier.
C. In Matthew 26:41, what did Jesus say to the sleeping disciples that showed two warring parts?
Oh that’s funny- I actually wrote my answer to the above before reading this question! He said “watch and pray” so that they would not be tempted. The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.
D. Compare Revelation 3:14-22. What similarities do you see with The Song of Songs 5:2-3?
Rev. 3:17 stuck out to me: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”
Is that what her (my) response is like? Thinking I am comfortable enough where I am, I don’t really need to respond to Him as He knocks?
An ice cold bath (they say) reduces inflammation. I love a really hot bath before bed to soothe pain and calm me. An ice cold smoothie is refreshing and I love my hot cocoa on a cold day. But lukewarm really serves no benefit. I think of water that has just sat, gone stagnant. It may have once been cold or hot, but now is neither, lifeless.
E. In The Song of Songs 5:3, what names does he call her?
Vs. 2 “my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one”
F. What evidence is there that he has been knocking for a while?
His head is wet with dew, and “drops of the night”—so from night to morning, and long enough to be drenched.
3. Read The Song of Songs 5:3-5
A. What excuses does she give for not responding?
She has already bathed, already undressed—she doesn’t want to go through the trouble of getting up.
B. Be alert (and pray now about this) for giving an excuse — then try to identify the lie. Record it here.
It is so humbling to watch her. I read and envision it and think ‘how could she?’-same as Hosea. But then, yes, I play her role so well. Identifying the lie feels hard right now—to really find the root. I think somewhere, maybe still caught in my performance mode. It is “easy” to do a study, to answer questions, and even to pray for needs. But to just sit and hear Him, it is hard for me unless I really get away from all distractions, and then I think so often I fear I will either not do it ‘right’, and not be changed by the time…or maybe that I will lose track of time and miss my tasks for the day.
C. When she does arise, what happens to her heart? What does this tell you?
Her heart was thrilled within her. Her response was all that was needed to be filled with Him! He is the Power that thrilled her heart, so that is the evidence that He moved in her, once she arose. All she had to so was arise! I think this is speaking to me—there is no ‘right’ way. Yes, I know this. No formula, no check boxes. Just response. All He wants is my response, and He will be there.
Oh my Lord. Thank You that You have claimed me as Your own. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Your gracious love beyond any measure. I do not understand how You continue to faithfully wait for me. But I thank You. Please forgive my selfish and lazy ways. Forgive me for hiding behind fear and the safety of yes, grace. I do not want to take Your love for granted. Help me watch and pray, and be strengthened by Your love. May my heart be thrilled by You.
“Her heart was thrilled within her” Yes, may it be for us, Lord.
Elizabeth, I like your thoughts on “C”…that “her response was all that was needed to be filled with Him!” And “All she had to do was arise!” I can sense your excitement here!
The description of Him standing, all night long, Susan’s reference to Gethsemane…I am pondering how much my absence, my busy-ness, my resistance,…how it affects Him. I think I sometimes forget the pain I cause by leaving Him standing in the rain. I matter that much to Him, my presence with Him matters THAT much. I think the passages personalize His love for me in a way that I haven’t seen before–I think that is the beauty in seeing these through the lens of Christ to us–it becomes so personal.
Yes! Such a GOOD perspective, Elizabeth.
I like Sara Groves’ version of Blessed Be the Tie better than the traditional one 🙂
I do too — perhaps because she brings it so alive.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:8-9
A. What does she ask of the daughters of Jerusalem and then, what do they ask of her? She asks them to tell her beloved that she is “sick with love.” Then they ask her why her beloved is better than others.
B. What do you see happening in this passage?
From Matthew Henry’s commentary, v. 8:
and v.9
I read on another website that the daughters of Jerusalem were arguing with her, but I liked this explanation better! (not that “liking” should be the criterion for interpretation, but this is closer to the explanation I was wondering about before I looked at a commentary). I’m not really sure exactly what is going on in the passage.
It does seem a pattern with the daughters of Jerusalem to be stirred by her love and excitement for Him, and then to seek Him too.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:8-9
A. What does she ask of the daughters of Jerusalem and then, what do they ask of her?
She asks if they find her beloved to tell Him she is faint with Love.
B. What do you see happening in this passage?
The daughters of Jerusalem must have known she was in the wilderness for she tells them what to say if they find Him..So they knew of her struggle. I am thinking they don’t see His beauty in her ‘perfect life’ rather they see His beauty in her weakness-she is truly humble and they see His beauty in her. Her pursuit, her affection for Him above all others is from Him and it spurs them on-they ‘want to know’ how His beauty surpasses all others. They aren’t asking her about Her beauty but about His.
I tried to listen to Sara Groves Blessed be the Tie this morning, but that version is not allowed in Canada. So I did a search and found a version where Sara is talking about why she wrote this new version and it includes a bit of the song in the background. Very nice. I think I like it better than the old one too. Wish I could find a version that I could listen to the song.
Anyway, for those of us not living in US, try this version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1iYl82PgoM
Not sure if this one will work for you? http://crossmap.christianpost.com/videos/sara-groves-blessed-be-the-tie-official-4132
At least, it doesn’t say “youTube” on it but it is the same one
Or maybe this one from MTV! http://www.mtv.com/videos/sara-groves/950168/blessed-be-the-tie.jhtml
Same one all over the place. I hope you can get it someplace!
Just out of curiousity … what Internet search engine do you use, Renee? Do you find one search engine better than another? I use google, but I notice there are others and I was wondering if one is better than another. I have not tried any others.
Thanks so much, Renee. That one worked for me! I appreciate your help. I wonder why some videos don’t work and most do.
What I mean is … the crossmap link worked for me. I didn’t realize that you had posted two possible links. You are so helpful!
I listened to this and loved it. Knew I would because I love her heart. Thanks for finding it!
My heart is heavy this morning and my mind is lumpy gravy. I have several stressful, concerning circumstances coming to a head this week and the next. I am trying to walk through with Christ as my focus. So often I try to prevent undesirable outcomes but I need to, instead, walk through embracing what ever God allows, acting/reacting how He would have me act/react and let the rest be. I would appreciate prayers for myself as I walk through these issues, it feels as though my heart may break with the weight.
So many of you have had great comments, insights and personal reflections on this week’s scripture. Thank you for sharing, I have been blessed by them even if I have not had the time to reply directly to express it specifically.
4. Read Song of Songs 5:6-7
A. Describe what happens in this passage. She is devastated that her beloved is gone when she (finally) goes to the door. So much so that she leaves to look for him, calls for him. The the watchmen found her (were they looking for her specifically?), beat her, and took her cloak.
B. Why are the watchmen beating her? What do you think and why? There have been several comments on this, all of which have been good thoughts! I see a misunderstood soul. Someone who missed the initial calling of Christ, resisting. Then she realizes it and goes searching but the church (or even secular society in general) berates and beats her because she is perhaps doing it “wrong”. How many come for help and then get turned away, or are smugly scorned because they are “doing it wrong”. How many lost or misunderstood souls (new or seeking believers) come in contact with us and we write them off because they seem to “know” of Christ and yet are “doing it wrong” (“Well, that’s their choice.”). Thankfully, she was given friends to help. We assume that people know how to look for God, and to find Him, but He is mysterious and we can only understand by His grace and granting of wisdom. And the spiritual battle is greater than we know….
I also can see leadership gone wrong. A emphasis on religion rather than on relationship. A church leadership that “encourages” its flock through endless lists of “do this better” tasks instead of preaching the gospel and love which leads to repentance. I see this a lot in my community and it greatly saddens me. So many women I have conversations with have justification of why they are the way they are, with no vision to see the true heart issues at hand. God, increase my vision!
Use the above passage as a springboard for prayer.
God, I am beaten, berated and scorned by those around me. But praise be, they cannot take my cloak. For You have given it to me and it is secure. God, give me strength and passion and love to continue seeking every day, to continue the happiness in my soul as I dwell on the freedom you give me and the amazing love that You are. Though those who seek to harm me strive to bring me down, I am supported by You and You have strength and grace endless. Thank you for empowering me, strengthening me, and thank you for the hardship, as it teaches me to lean on you, to draw from You. It drives our intimacy deeper and teaches me to be more vulnerable and trusting with You.
Sorry you have had so much stress, jill. Looks like you are turning to God in your weakness. No, they cannot take your cloak when He has covered you. Prayers going up for you.
Jill,
I’m so sorry to hear about your stressful weeks. Very wise to recognize the importance of walking through difficult situations rather than working so hard to prevent the undesirable outcomes — but oh, that is a battle. I’m praying that you will resist the avoidance and manipulation temptations, and that God will bless you as you seek His strength and leading.
oh Jill. I am so sorry. Praying for you now. Yes, ” But praise be, they cannot take my cloak”
They cannot take my cloak! May the Lord comfort you with that covering.
Jill, I’m sorry for the heaviness you are feeling in the midst of all the stress…I love your honest prayer here, and the thought that “they cannot take my cloak”. Praying that you lean into Him, wrapped in the secure cloak of His righteousness!
Thank you, Ladies, for your kind comments and prayers. I truly appreciate both!
I am realizing that when I do grant myself grace in being a slow waker-upper and His love for me is my focus before I go to bed that I wake up (very slowly) with my soul happy in the Lord. So thankful.
3. Read The Song of Songs 5:3-5
A. What excuses does she give for not responding?
She doesn’t feel like getting up again! She doesn’t want to get dressed and “soil” her feet.
B. Be alert (and pray now about this) for giving an excuse — then try to identify the lie. Record it here.
My excuse is morning. I really struggle getting up. It takes me several hours to rise and be fully awake. I suppose I really don’t think it will be “worth it.” If I do succeed, then maybe I will find that it really is worth it after all. Since we are kissing “day-light savings time” goodbye (thank the Lord!) then maybe I will be able to handle the morning for at least the next few months!
C. When she does arise, what happens to her heart? What does this tell you?
Her heart begins to pound for him. It tells me he has quite the effect on her.
4. Read The Song of Songs 5:6-7 A. Describe what happens in this passage.
She opens to Him and He is gone. I am totally thinking out loud, likely off-track with my sleep deprived state,because this is an all-new thought that has just come to me, but here goes anyway! I wonder if she does not find Him because of her heart attitude? She was so slow to respond to Him, she had been selfish, putting other “needs” before Him (comfort idol, maybe?) And so He is gone. Then the watchmen, who Durham has said were the church leaders, beat her. But does this necessarily mean, literally? I am wondering if she was beaten down by the laws of the church, the legalism, the guilt and shame she felt for not turning to Him—the way we feel beaten down by our guilt at not running to His call?
B. Why are the watchmen beating her?
I guess I answered this above. I think perhaps she was “beaten” by legalism in the church. “They took away my veil”–she lost her assuranceof her placeas His Bride. She was lost in self-condemnation.
5. Read Song of Songs 5:8-9 A. What does she ask of the daughters of Jerusalem and then, what do they ask of her?
She asks, “If you find Him, tell Him I am sick with love”. They ask her to describe what makes Him so special, what is different about Him?
B. What do you see happening in this passage?
For some reason tonight, my mind is seeing this more with the lens of her being the corporate Church. Here, the Church has lost sight of Jesus. The others are asking—how can we know Him? What makes Christ unique? Whether as the corporate Bride or an individual Christian, she is witnessing to the others about Him.
So glad you mentioned the corporate church here, Elizabeth. I hadn’t been thinking about that this week — good to add that perspective again.Re: the veil you mentioned in the post above. I wonder if it was as serious then as it is now in some Middle Eastern countries for women to be out without their veil. If so, they not only beat her, but set her up for more trouble.