The Decisionনমুনা

Day 3: Taste & See: the intimacy of our testimony

Relationships take time, energy, and sacrifice. In the process, sometimes the love grows stale. The song “Last” is about wanting the joy of our early relationship with Christ to grow and to deepen.

I pray the passion never lacking.

Yesterday, when we read Song of Songs, the language was so fragrant — wine, oil, precious metals, clusters of henna blossoms, beautiful vistas, passionate love. All of these physical images attest to the incarnational and intimate reality of life with Christ as our husband. God created us as sensory beings. We’re not just meant to hear the Gospel; we’re meant to taste and experience it.  

Jesus promised us an abundant life with him. But when there is too much distance for too long, sometimes it’s harder to connect. 

Distance in our relationship with Jesus will come at some point—that’s just reality. But looking at the Shulamite’s actions, we see how a lover treats distance. When her beloved is not with her, she searches for him relentlessly. Wande echoes this sentiment in “Last.” 

I need you in my life.

Sometimes I play but 

I cannot miss out on my savior.

You are my blessing, 

you by my side- that’s some flexing. 

Oh yeah, we been through some messes,

taught me some lessons. 

Sometimes I need that correction, 

worth more to me than possessions. 

In Song of Songs, the bride endures correction. More than that, she endures being beaten, mocked, and even stripped in order to find her beloved. Nobody would do that for a love they didn’t treasure or one they haven’t personally experienced. 

This kind of love is powerful. It’s mutual, public, joyful, and binding, speaking not just to a personal feeling, but to a lasting commitment. To have this kind of experience for a lifetime, we must continually search and long for Christ whether he feels distant or closer than the jugular. 

Meditate: “Though you have not seen [Jesus Christ], you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9  (5 minutes) 

Read the rest of Song of Songs, focusing on the bride’s love for her goom. (Song of Solomon 1:1-7; 1:9-14; 1:16- 3:11; 4:17; 5:2-6:3; 6:11-13; 7:10 -8:12; 8:14)  (30 minutes) 

Reflect on the following: (10 minutes)

1. The friends in Song of Songs as the Shulamite bride, “What is your beloved more than another beloved, O Most beautiful among women? What is your beloved more than another beloved that you thus adjure us?” How would you answer that question? What makes your beloved so special? If Jesus is your beloved, which intimate and personal experiences with him would you share with others to convince them that his love really is “better than wine?”
2. If you feel like your love of Jesus has grown cold, pray this simple prayer and listen for what the Holy Spirit says: Jesus of Nazareth, I want to be a happy bride. I’ve made vows but honestly, a lifetime with you just doesn’t seem that wonderful anymore. I want the heart of the Shulamite. Holy Spirit, now is the time to awaken love. Captivate my heart, Lord Jesus. Overwhelm me with the wine of you. 

I would love to hear your reflection answers! Text them to me: 404-495-7729

Listen to “Last.”