The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE WEDDING

Chapter 3 of Song of Songs depicts the wedding between the two lovers. Verse 6 starts with Solomon’s entrance to the wedding ceremony. The king and his escorts arrive to meet the woman, creating a dramatic spectacle. The procession is extravagant. Solomon has spared no expense in presenting himself to his bride. In verses 9 through 11, the text describes two objects connected with the king’s arrival: a carriage and a crown.

The carriage was made of wood from Lebanon, some of the most prized material in the world. Its posts were crafted from silver, its base fashioned with gold and the seat upholstered with purple cloth. Solomon’s carriage was unmistakably royal — luxurious and impressive. The other object of note is a crown placed on his head by his mother. This was likely a special wedding wreath, distinguishing him as the day’s honored hero and celebrated victor.

The New Testament describes two major entrances by Jesus the Son of God. The first is his birth in a Bethlehem manger (Lk 2:7). This quiet arrival is marked by chosen humility. He could have arrived with fanfare befitting the King of the universe. Yet Jesus chose to take on the nature of a servant (Php 2:7) in order to call his eventual followers to faith. Jesus is worthy of all honor and glory, but his earthly ministry began in near obscurity, celebrated by only a few observers. His other entrance — his future coming from heaven to gather his own and to end sin’s reign — will be exponentially more dramatic (1Th 4:14 – 17). The entire population of earth will stop to give stunned attention. Those who believe will rejoice and celebrate. Those who reject salvation in Christ’s name will tremble and weep. Jesus will come as a conqueror and King (Titus 2:13).

Solomon’s kingship, though significant, is miniscule in comparison to the power and authority of the Son of God. Jesus is not simply king over one nation or region; he is the eternal King above all things in existence. When Jesus comes for his own, creation’s King will wear a victor’s crown and will also dispense unfading crowns to all those who have believed (1Pe 5:4).

Jesus, I love to imagine that moment when everything on earth will witness your mighty return, when they will all see that you are the eternal King over everything. I ask you to use me to prepare those I know for that moment. Amen.