There’s a strength in unity that every heart longs for! Like the loved ones that await us in Heaven, or the family member living far away… we yearn with deep desire to be in each other’s presence and arms.
The Song of Solomon is a poetic, loving illustration of Christ and His bride, the Church. The bride is seen struggling with His absence. She laments… “All night long on my bed I looked for the One my heart loves; I looked for Him but didn’t find Him” (SOS 3:1, 2). His absence had left a loneliness that could only be filled by Him. No other substitute would do!
The apostle Paul spoke tenderly to discouraged Believers that were feeling this very same way. He reminded them that their Lord, whom they loved so dearly, IS coming again! “For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Then the bride sees Him coming! “Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense…? Look! It is Solomon’s (his name means Peace) carriage, escorted by 60 warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, experienced in battle…” (SOS 3:6-8)
This beautiful imagery is depicting our Prince of Peace coming in victory with those that “have gone before.” They are His groomsmen (and women), seasoned in the spiritual battles of this life, and strong in the living-out of the Word of God. What a sight to behold! The longing Bride sees a whole entourage coming to greet her, to embrace her, and to make her one of their own. No more longing… no more tears… He came!
Dear ones, God sees us looking and longing for Him in these dark times, and He promises that “He WILL come and will not tarry.” Paul tells us to “Comfort one another with these words,” and we must. One of these days, our ears will hear a loud trumpet, and we will know THAT day has come! His words will be music to our longing ears… “Rise up My love, My beautiful one, and come away.”
Comments