Bibledoorajar Looks at the Beloved's Understanding

     The country girl has enjoyed the excellent provisions of the king. His wine has given her great joy and gladness. Now, she is beginning to see him and him only. The king really likes her singleness of purpose. He describes her as a lily among thorns. More and more, she must praise him. The king issues a solemn warning: his beloved is not to be disturbed!

     As we end this section on resting in the king's presence, we must begin to see ourselves, too, as lilies among fallen mankind. The Father has warned those thorns who would like to disturb us---the lovesick are not to be disturbed! Those who seek to disrupt our peace and safety can expect harsh judgement if they do so. But we, the lilies, must also realize that our lives must be truly submitted to our king. This requires our full consecration. We have chosen a new life, one that is filled with resurrection power if we obey His voice. Therefore, we too, have a responsibility to not allow the thorns to interfere with the sweetness of our communion with Him and our participation in palace life. As it says in the Song:

      "I have PUT OFF my coat, how shall I put it on?:   Song 5:3

Or, as Lou Reed expressed it in his song, Perfect Day, our declaration should be:

      I'm in the race but I've already won
      And getting there can be half the fun
      So don't stop me till I'm good and done
      Don't you try to rain on my perfect day.
      It's the perfect day.

May God help us to see all of our days with the King as perfect!

Bibledoorajar wishes all a Merry Christmas

     Well, our country girl has come a long way. She started out in the country working not so productively and being harassed by her brothers. Now she is in the palace of the king telling others about this great man she has met. Now she knows her sweet shepherd is none other than the king. How vast are his resources and she has come to enjoy them all. Now her hope is to become someone fit for palace life.

And so the seasonal hymn says of our world and its' hope:

      Long lay the world in sin and error pining
      Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
      A thrill of hope, the weary heart rejoices
      For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
      Fall on your knees, O hear the angels voices
      O night divine, O night when Christ was born.
      O night, O night divine, o night when Christ was born.

Bibledoorajar wishes all its readers a merry and spiritually fulfilling Christmas.

Bibledoorajar witnesses the state of the beloved's heart

    The country girl remains with the man who was called to be a lover of God. Now, he is saying he will give her all she needs to become his beloved and to become a lover of the God of Israel. Her heart believes and she is beginning to rest in his love.

      For the church, rest in Christ for you/me is a major victory. Giving of one's heart to Christ completely is  the most important work of grace. At this advent season, the words of Gustav Hoist come to mind.
The words are in his poem: In the Bleak Mid-Winter.

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty winds made moan
earth stood hard as iron
water like a stone.

Snow had fallen, snow on snow
snow on snow
In the bleak mid-winter
long ago.

Our God, heav'n cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain
heav'n and earth shall flee away
when he comes to reign.

In the bleak mid-winter
a stable-place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels
may have gathered there
cherubim and seraphim
thronged the air.

But only his mother
in her maiden bliss
worshipped the BELOVED
with a KISS.

What can I give Him
poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.

If I was a wise man
I would do my part
Yet what can I give him
Give my heart.

May God continue to grant us all the grace to give our hearts as well so that our righteousness may kiss the King of Peace. Amen.

Bibledoorajar basks in the love

Within the king's chamber, the country girl is becoming more comfortable. She remains very aware of her natural state which she had previously characterized as "blackness". But, she is also becoming more and more aware of the effects of the beautifying changes that have come as a result of rest, growth and the amazing attention given to her by her lover, the king. Seen by the king as a beautiful person, and not just a part of his property, is increasingly both amazing and entrancing. She no longer wants to be described in the unflattering manner which  her brothers use to describe her. She wants the inside changes she is making to be reflected in her exterior image and for that to be reported. And still the king gives---encouragement, promises, commendations. The king has encouraged her to follow the steps of the flock who have learned the way. This experienced flock not only has natural beauty and strength, but wisdom and merit grown deep inside. This is to be her way to live for the remainder of her life.

It is to the wisdom and merit of faith in God's love and authority that Jesus appealed in His earthly ministry. He encouraged, promised and commended the flock of Jewish believers who lived to become God's mature flock. Follow them, He said, not the externals of the immature.

The changes in the country girl, not yet fully developed, are beginning to attract attention. She is asked questions about the changes she is experiencing. "Help us understand. What is so amazing about your lover?" Words may fail to grasp its' fullness, but she labors on to express all that her lover is becoming to her. As we enter the Advent Season, believers everywhere are grasping for words to share with the world that the infant born in Bethlehem is the same who came to love us as we have never been loved before. Like the questioners in the Song, may the understanding of many be increased during this season. Here are just a few words we believers can borrow.

        He rules the world, with truth and grace
        And makes the nations prove
        The glories of His righteousness
        And wonders of His love and
        wonders of His love and
        wonders and wonders, wonders of His love!

And the women of Jerusalem responded: "Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink! Yes, drink deeply of your love! (Song 5:1 ff).

Bibledoorajar is in the secret chamber

     Our country girl is in the secret chamber with the king and is enjoying intimate communion with him. Much is being revealed to her about the king and his rule within his kingdom. The girl finds herself adoring the king and her adoration is growing. She can hardly wait to hear what he unfolds about their future together. As the king shares, the country girl is impressed with how limitless their future is to be and how pure and undefiled is the love of the king for her. Her standards of purity and performance are improving in his presence and she is becoming more and more acceptable to the king.

     In the chamber, the girl receives all that the king transmits, giving up her old ways for new ways. There were so many things that her unaided eye had not seen and her unaided ear had not heard before. But, now, in the chamber, the girl is attuned to the king and is made aware of realities never before considered. And best of all, she realizes that her experience is genuine.

    Paul wrote to Timothy (book 1; chapter 2; verse 5) that what Christ unfolds for His own in the secret places is LIMITLESS. It is for the upright and for those whose emotions are unmixed with the world. These who are primed to receive have a pure heart fit for the worship of God. They may approach the altar with the sacrifice of praise or, we might say, they approach the throne in purity of heart and with a good conscience and a genuine faith. This could be called "advanced devotion." Transformed by the presence of the king, we are redeemed to sing a new song and to share glad tidings with the world.

    Praise God for His wonderful plan to transform us into the righteousness of Christ. Praise Him that He sees more in us than the difficulties of sin. What greater miracle is there than that? Bibledoorajar  prays that each of us will seek to spend more time with Him within the secret chamber, basking in mutual love and adoration.

Bibledoorajar asks "Do you desire intimacy with your King?"

     Bibledoorajar asks the hard question: "Do you desire intimacy with your King?" It can, at first glance, seem like an easily answered question. "Yes!" But when we consider that there may be conditions attached to that intimacy, we may backtrack our answer. Jesus said, "If any man shall follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Obviously, there are things in our lives that must be denied and there are "cross" kinds of behaviors that must be adopted so that the needs of Christ may be met. But with the sacrifices comes the sharing of great joy in the secret place, for the Lord is all about sharing joy.

     Our country girl tells her lover that she wants more. Her request is for him to draw her nearer and her request is answered. He brings her into his chambers, his special and secret place. This is a place of affection, of intimate communion and a place of special revelations of the king himself. Here the country girl must accept the rule and reign of the king and be devoted to his purposes but with that devotion comes great joy in return.

In Psalm 91, God speaks of a secret place that is His. If one is blessed to dwell there, he can rest---"rest in the shadow of the Almighty". One can rest because of the trust found there. It is a trust that declares that God will save from the "fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence." As an old health worker, I would often start the day saying jokingly to a friend, "well, let's go stamp out disease and pestilence!" We did what we could, but God's promise to shelter dwellers reflects much more "almightiness".

It is my desire to hide under his feathers in that place of refuge. So, it you are looking for me, check under the feathers. And, by the way, there is unlimited space there for all who want to join me. If I peek out, I will "observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked". I testify that it is a safe place to be. Do you? So today, I claim this promise for all Bibledoorajar readers:

      "Because He loves me, says the Lord, ' I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My Name. He will call  upon Me; and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."----Psalm 91: 14-16

Bibledoorajar loves the quest for the kiss

We have been looking at our relationship with our King, through the eyes of the country girl and King Solomon. For the girl, a kiss from her shepherd became a quest from her heart. It was her starting point and the basis for all her future experiences with the king. She found that a true and thrilling melody began to flow from her heart. Everything about his nature became highly prized and considered to be of great value. We see her desires beginning to take on a certain strength of purpose. She praised him repeatedly and promoted his name: "all the virgins love you". She ran after him individually, but acknowledged that all (corporately) were running after him too. It is as if she is saying, "I am---we are, impressed with you and how much you love me---us"."

Have you ever noticed two people genuinely in love? Those around them may wish that certain behaviors were different in one or the other, but for the two, it's all about mutual praise and getting to know each other all the more. Love is a wonderful thing. God says it is the most important thing. According to Peter (1 Peter 4:8) love can cover a multitude of sins. Solomon wrote: "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates friends." (Proverbs 17: 9) So, many shortcomings can be overlooked in the presence of love. When we first receive the gift of life from our Shepherd, our love and gratitude for His overlooking our sin is paramount in our thinking. How wonderful it is that He can overlook our shortcomings and love us still. But as our love grows, a deeper mutuality which calls for our giving Him more righteousness occurs. We want that kiss! The Bible gives no time line for when a believer develops a deeper love for the king nor does it give the time line that the Holy Spirit follows to bring about the more mature love. But, even not knowing these things, the truly called pursue such depth of relationship. More. It's all about more. How can I know Him more and how can I express my love to Him more? And, so we sing with Eliza Hewitt:

        "More about Jesus let me learn, more of His holy will discern. Spirit of God, my Teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me.

         More about Jesus on His throne, riches in glory all His own. More of His kingdom's sure increase, More of His coming Prince of Peace."

Bibledoorajarcontinues to examine "the kiss"

Last week, Bibledoorajar observed that the country girl desired an intimate kiss from her newly found shepherd. She longed for that personal relationship that allows for such personal kisses. But, as you may recall, we also observed that such intimacy comes with a maturing mutual relationship. The king, himself, is also pursuing the kiss and very much wants to give it, but the timing must be perfect. It will come after the couple experience many blessed things together. The king is waiting until the girl appreciates that her shepherd is also the king and that therefore such a kiss cannot be taken lightly. The king has no desire to give the kiss to one who may continue to pursue kisses from another.

Our Christ has told us in the written Word when His bride gets the "kiss". It is a part of our maturing relationship with Him. As we mature in Him, our every righteous effort is met with the kiss. According to Ephesians 2:14, JESUS HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE. And, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Father "made HIM who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God in HIM".

These verses make it clear that in our beloved, God perceives us a righteous and provides the help we need to live out a righteous point of view complete with righteous acts. Praise God, it is the kiss! In Psalms 85:10 we find that RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE kiss each other! The Father's criteria has been met; the relationship is blessed.

This is a freeing truth and the beginning of real spiritual progress. As the bride believes deeply within her spirit that the bridegroom will never leave her or forsake her, she is poised to live righteously. She  believes that any pain and tears she experiences as He helps us learn righteousness are worth everything. The bride gets the kisses because He is a rewarder of them that diligently (earnestly) seek Him and His gifts.

Thank you Father for our pathway to righteousness. And thank you for the King of Glory who showers us with kisses and will bring us all the way home to the palace. Lord, come quickly!

Bibledoorajar examines "the kiss"

     Bibledoorajar sends all its' readers "love and kisses". That's what we are examining this week. In our love story, the country girl has given her heart to her shepherd, but he then tells her that he must go away but she must know that he will surely return. So the girl waited and the days passed by. Her friends and family ridiculed her, saying that she had been hoodwinked by the shepherd. But she loves him and trusts him. She thinks about him all the time. One night she was sure she smelled his fragrance. She just knew  that he was near by. He had not forgotten her!!! As she was working in her vineyard one day, the girl sees dust flying like smoke. But she is busy and does not pay much attention to just who might be passing by. Perhaps another merchant in a very big hurry. Finally, someone comes and tells her that Solomon, the king, is asking for her. The girl is astonished that the king would be asking for her, a simple country girl. She demurely says, "me, why I have never even met the king. He can't be asking for me!"

But the king was and he said:

     "Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away"--Song 2: 8-10

It was true. The king, himself, wanted to take her to his palace. When the girl gets to the palace she is in no wise ready for marriage to the king. She speaks often with the other ladies of court and tells them of her shepherd and how often he spoke with desire for her. She tells them she is very interested in the shepherd and wants to know him more fully. And, she says she knows that he is interested in her for the long haul, not just some fly by night experience.

     Meanwhile the king continues his plans to marry the girl and he provides her with vital communication and instructions. With these, she can become productive and worthy of marriage to him. The king has riches to share as well as authority. His abundant resources will help the girl. But what the girl is wondering is when can she get back to her shepherd and when will her shepherd KISS her? She longs for the kiss that accompanies a very personal relationship. The kind of kiss that reflects an intense need to be close and to be involved in a very personal pursuit. She wants the kiss NOW, but the suitor is holding off for some reason. She asks why?

In the beginning, we all desire a relationship with the Shepherd and we can honestly say, "I was glad when they said, let us go up to the house of the Lord". We love experiencing the grace and mercy and have an interest in getting to know our bridegroom more fully. And, we soon learn that Jesus, too, has a great desire for us and that his interest in us is for the long haul. He, in His wisdom, knows just what kind of bride he wants. In the long run, she must be mature and so He provides vital communication and instructions in order that we may grow spiritually. He provides many spiritual gifts which become great assets in our lives. We must learn how to rule and reign with Him, and He has sent His Holy Spirit to assist. He is well qualified to bring us into maturity. We are like the girl, wondering when He will kiss us. If we have experienced the kiss on the neck (forgiveness--see the story of the prodigal son) then we long for the kiss of intimacy. Forgiveness, as wonderful as it is, is no longer enough. We must have a personal relationship with Him. But just when does the written word say we will get that kind of kiss? We will take a look at that next week. In the meantime, we ask the Holy Spirit for His help--"Come, Holy Spirit, breathe on us and help us learn the etiquette of the King's court".

Bibledoorajar examines redemption which calls for maturation

    Years ago I met a newly married christian couple. One day I was speaking with the husband and asked him about how the couple met. He told me that as he was praying about whom the Lord might wish him to marry, he felt impressed that he would marry a girl younger and less mature than he. It would be his role to love her and to help her mature in the faith. As things turn out sometimes, this is exactly what happened. Years later the couple have five children and administer a large christian ministry in North Carolina.

     The love song we are studying is about a girl who is redeemed from an inadequate lifestyle to one that will be suitable for marriage to the king. She was freed to become a new woman, very different from the immature young girl she was when selected. Many of her attitudes were wrong for one who was to spend her married life with the king. The story is a wonderful story of love that is patient and resolved. The king makes every effort to secure a mature marriage relationship with the young girl.

As the story opens the view is on her current life. She is a solitary figure working in the vineyard in which she was placed by her brothers. She is sunburned and dressed in work clothes. She is really not that good of a worker and her vineyard is not all that productive. Let's put it this way, she is a long way from how Solomon described the productive woman in Proverbs 31.  But when she meets a shepherd out there in the countryside, he/she is entranced. Her whole future, unbeknown to her, will now be hinged on her relationship with this man. She has no idea that "her shepherd" is really King Solomon. You see, he is not in the countryside to care for sheep but rather to see if his people have needs. It does not dawn on her that he is the king until sometime later when she has been taken to his palace in Jerusalem with the intent of marriage to him. Not ready for the demands of palace life, she simply longs for the kiss of the shepherd whom she met in the countryside. We will see that the girl will eventually mature and in the end be happy with a relationship with the king.

                                                                           
The Bible speaks often of maturation. When the Jewish people read this story, I am sure many realized just how much God loved them and understood that He wanted a mature, productive wife. When we Christians read the story, we should reach the same conclusion about our Christ. The bridegroom loves us and desires that we mature beyond our first blush of love (our forgiveness) and become productive with Him. So much so that He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us in every way. And what is our great assurance? In the end, we will be perfect for Him ( 1Corinthians 13: 9-13 ). Thank you Shepherd for loving us and leading us into the paths of righteousness for your Name's sake. And thank you for being patient with us as we mature into the productive bride---your perfect reward.

Bibledoorajar explores more sub-themes from the Song of the Bride

     There are at least three other sub-themes that I know about in the Song that are important to our relationship with Christ. They are: love founded on holy ground; reciprocal praise between the bride and the bridegroom; and, dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. In the story, there are many comments by the lovers reflecting their extraordinary praise of each other. From a spiritual point of view one thinks of love that is of the highest nature and that takes place on holy ground. The Holy Spirit gives us a vision of His love; He convinces us it is better than any product this world has to offer. Christ's ointments are wonderful and highly valued by the Bride. He values our desire for Him and loves that we want to dwell with Him in the Secret Place.

     In the story our handsome shepherd falls in love with the girl he met in the countryside. Listen to some of his words of praise.

                    "As the lily among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters."  Song 2:2

                    "Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold. thou art fair; thou hast dove's eyes within thy
                                      locks."   Song 4 :1

And, lo, and behold, the girl gave her heart to the shepherd. And, here is some of what she had to say.

                    "As the apple among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down
                            under his shadow and his fruit was sweet to my taste."   Song 2:3

                    "...he brought me to his banqueting table, and his banner over me is love..."  Song 2:4

                    "...my beloved is mine and I am his: he feedeth among the lillies.."  Song 2:16
   
       One sees what reciprocal praise and what desire there is in these comments. Yes, this level of love and admiration challenges us to evaluate our praise and desire for our bridegroom. But it also causes her to evaluate how we feel about Him showering us with praise and His desiring to be with us forever. I'm reminded of Lanny Wolf's song:

                    "I keep falling in love with Him over and over again. It gets sweeter and sweeter as
                     the years go by, Oh, what a love between my Lord and I! I keep falling in love with Him
                     over and over and over and over again!"

May the sentiment of this song be more true of us today than ever before.

Bibledoorajar thinks about a sub-theme: two-way communication

      There are several sub-themes that can be found in the song. The one that we will be discussing today is the two-way communication that lovers seek. He says; she says. One might say that in terms of a lasting relationship such communication is a vital link. And amid the tensions of life, it requires much. To be important to each other requires boldness and concentration. But most importantly it requires honesty and loyalty. Expressing love in a meaningful way is no small task, but when you read the Song of the Bride you find that communication of love is of utmost importance. Because it must be communicated under very trying conditions. The Shulamite girl has been discovered by Solomon and brought into his summer courts out in the country. Though a traveling court, the setting is nevertheless, one fraught with all the trappings of palace life. Some academicians say that the girl had already been brought to the king's court with the intentions of marriage, but she opposed doing so because of her steadfast love of another. She has already acknowledged the interest of another suitor and has been caught up in the wonder of it all. You see, a handsome shepherd had already appeared on the scene. Ah Hah! Now, we have a situation where she loves the one (the shepherd), but is being pursued by another (the king).
     How will the young woman react? Will she go for the simplicity of her first love or be convinced by the king and his courtiers that she should forget the shepherd and "buy in" to being one of Solomon's wives? How will she handle a situation that has turned out entirely different than she expected? Can we understand that she might be feeling a little inadequate ESPECIALLY since it seems the shepherd has gone away?  All she has are the memories of his love words. Can she believe that her shepherd will return to her or should she settle for a lesser life emotionally even though it would be filled with the great and wonderful treasures of the court?
     Let's meet the bride. She is described in the story as a country girl, a Shulamite. It is interesting that Solomon, whose name means peaceful, wrote of a Shulamite girl. Shulamite also means peaceful. As a country girl, she has been busy working in her family's vineyards. She explains that by having to work in the fields she has become sunburned and feels inadequate compared to the women she has met in the courts. Because of her life's circumstances, she has not been able to enhance her beauty or groom herself. She had worked along a caravan route in the rugged hill country of Israel and had seen the passing caravans loaded with riches. Now she has been brought into the palace. She can smell the rich spices in use. She can see the beautiful ladies of the court. How can she possibly compare? But amazingly, she finds her voice.
     Jesus spoke of leaving the many safe ones and pursuing the one that was lost amid life's circumstances. You know, the ones of us that get caught up in making our way in the world. He even refers to Himself as the Shepherd, the one who wants to love us and care for us. Most of us know the experience of believing Him and even loving Him, but nevertheless, allowing the glitzy things and/or people of the world to enthrall us. We speak lovingly of our Shepherd and our "other world" relationship, all the while we are being bombarded to accept an earthly life. One hymn writer (Palmer Hartsough),  discussed the dilemma and his resolution this way:

                                     "I am resolved, no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights.                        
                                     Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.                                  
                                     I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest highest, I will come                        
                                     to Thee."

     In the end, may we all leave behind a beautiful song, the apex of songs, one set with care and performed from the heart lauding our Shepherd who loves us so. Praise Jesus!

Bibledoorajar focuses on blessedness versus happiness

     We have been looking at the relationship of the bride and the king as described in the Song of Solomon. Last week we spoke of a progression in the relationship that would ultimately lead to a state of mutual devotion. The focus of the book is on the pursuit and how the pursuing is handled. Everyone who has pursued a goal understands the ramifications of the pursuit. Sometimes there is happiness and sometimes there is difficulty. But the goal, if cherished, is still pursued. Many have the mistaken impression that if a relationship is pursued with Christ the result will always be happiness. But the truth is, it does not always bring happiness. And, Christ never promised happiness; He promised blessedness.
     As Christians, we pursue blessedness for us and for our Lord. As we start our days, hopefully, we ask the Lord to bless everything we do. We know there are many things we cannot do by ourselves and we need His help in accomplishing His purposes in our endeavors. This reflects our mutual relationship of blessedness. We speak well of Him when we acknowledge His giving nature and when we allow Him to have His way. He speaks well of us when we trust Him to bring about whatever is best in our lives. Our blessedness does not depend on the circumstances in our lives, but rather upon our relationship with our King and our faith in how He will sustain us.

 I know a bride of Christ who has had a relationship with Him for 53 years. She will tell you that she has not always been happy, but rather that she has always been blessed. Her three children were a source of happiness for her, but one day lightning struck one of her sons. As he lay dying, she fell to her knees and said, "Thy will be done". She was able to speak well of her King even under very unhappy circumstances because grace was present in her heart. Her testimony through the years has been how His strength has blessed her even when unhappy memories overwhelm her. Such is the state of blessedness. We speak well of our groom; He speaks well of us. Jesus put it this way: "Whoever acknowledges me (speaks well of me) in the presence of others I will also acknowledge (speak well of) in the presence of my father in heaven" (Matt. 10:32).  Such conversation on our part, speaks of the emptiness we have allowed Him to fulfill. For our part we have this great reassurance--when Christ speaks, energy is present in our lives ("LET there BE"). Christ has promised us many things, only the first of which is to turn us away from our sins. The apostle Paul says we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heaven through Christ. We beseech Him to bless us by being active in our lives knowing that whatever comes, the ultimate promise is to be with Him FOREVER in a state of mutual devotion. That's what's in it for the both of us. And so we sing:

"When He takes me by the hand, and leads me through the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be!"

Bibledoorajar studies the three main divisions of the book, The Song of the Bride

    This week my minister spoke to our congregation about securing our salvation--realizing the need to be trained and disciplined to fully accept the grace the Lord  so willingly gives us. This idea of training and making progress can be seen in the three main divisions or themes of the Song of the Bride. There is that first stage. The bride is attracted to the King, but still is so into herself. Her position is 'what's in it for me?'  Every Christian is either at this stage or can remember being there. The Spirit woos the believer to pursue Him, to think of Him, but most days are spent not doing so. It is so easy to dismiss Him and there are so many questions not yet settled. Frances Havergal explores this theme in the hymn, "Is it for Me?":
               "Is it for me, dear Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest--For me, so weak and sinful? O shall I be so blest?"
     Entranced, the bride wonders. Like us, she had questions. For her and us, in time, many of them are answered. We find ourselves asking not just what's in it for me, but now, what's in it for Him? Suddenly we realize He thinks of us and has desires that only we can fulfill. E.B. Lorenz wrote:
       "Amid the trials which I meet, Amid the thorns which pierce my feet, One thought remains supremely sweet, Thou thinkest Lord of me!"
     It becomes gratifying to know that He will not be dismissed so easily. The bride's old self did not suit the needs of the king. Like her, the Christian has to be willing to be changed. We begin to see what He wants as His reward and we are willing to pursue just that.
     The third theme is one of the bride's love maturing into a beautifully transformed love. She is ready to be at home with him. Like the bride, Christians must become ready for their eternal home with our King. Now the question is not just, what's in it for me, or what's in it for Him, but rather, what's in it for us? What will we share together? And, we begin to see what our glory will be. As N.H. Lines penned:
       "When in His glory the Savior I see, And in His likeness forever shall be; There from the trials of earth to be free, that will be glory for me, be glory for me."
     There are sub-themes in the book and we will explore them, but these three are the primary themes: learning to love sacrificially, learning to love more dearly, and longing to live forever with Him in His kingdom. Vana Raye expressed it this way:
      "In the kingdom of the Lord there is grace for for every heart; In the kingdom of the Lord blessings come and sins depart. In the kingdom, there alone, are the saved, the good, the blest; Here the Savior knows His own, Here is joy and peace and rest. In the kingdom of the Lord, Christ abides-He is the King! It is ours to love His word, To submit in everything; Oh glorious Kingdom! Bride of the Savior! Living forever, God's purpose to fulfill."
      It is a thrilling and fulfilling journey that the Lord's bride is on. The important thing is to keep on seeking, keep on looking for the One we love, keep on pleasing Him.  The door of the kingdom is fully ajar for such people. God is good!!

Bibledoorajar looks at a Cinderella Story

     The Song of the Bride and her groom is a sacred story. For those of us who wish to be loved by the Lord it is personal. The book is usually referred to in the Bible as the Song of Solomon. Solomon, as you may recall, means "peaceful". He was the son of David, so the song is also referred to as the Song of the Son. Sometimes it is called the Song of the Bride because of its' focus on the bride. The bride is characterized as the "Schulamite" woman which means " peace is hers". From these meanings we learn that the son "Peaceful" desires to give his peace to "peace is hers". The song is also referred to as the Song of Songs because it is felt to be the apex of all love melodies that one could sing. Scholars often compare its focus on love to 1 Cor. 13 in the New Testament. For every sinner who desires love through redemption, it is a Cinderella story come true.
     We know that the song was composed by Solomon, a man who was called to be a lover of God. He wrote the song during his reign of peace and during the time he wanted to be close to God and to share His wisdom with all who came near. The setting of the story takes place in the main in the beautiful palace of Solomon, but there are some flashbacks to previous settings. It is dramatic with dialogue going back and forth between the lovers. But there is definitely a spiritual message for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. The story announces what is to come for the spiritually minded. The bride is to be the groom's perfect reward. The groom is to be the bride's perfect reward. There is an engagement period and a wedding day. In the song, much happens to the bride as she prepares for the wedding. The message of the song is just the opposite of Solomon's Ecclesiastes. In that book, Solomon writes of a life of wandering and pursuit of things under the sun. He finds no satisfaction in knowledge alone and realizes that often wrong things are sought in wrong ways. The result: MISERY. But in the Song, Solomon writes of a life resting from wandering and of the realization that satisfaction comes only through love. If right things are pursued in right ways the result: BLESSEDNESS.
    The theme of the book is excellent love--a thrilling and fulfilling love relationship. He is the beloved; she is the beloved. Such fragile love requires the delicate handling seen in the story. Who can deny that the Lord deals with us so delicately as He prepares the wedding feast? He is so patient and kind--the perfect manifestation of 1 Cor 13. How He gently woos us. Surely He is worthy of all our praises! How blessed we are to be loved  and pursued by Him. How blessed we are to return His love.

Bibledoorajar opens for the Song of the Bride

     As we have learned so much about our King via the Queen's visit with King Solomon, I thought it might be fun to spend some time looking at King Solomon's Song of the Bride. God has made it clear that He will rejoice over His people as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. In Isaiah 62:5, we read:

         "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."
      In Revelation we read of Christ returning as a bridegroom for His bride. We read:

         "Let us rejoice and be glad! Let us give Him the glory! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself---fine linen, bright and clean has been given her to wear"--Revelation 19 ff).

Part of Christ's glory will be His bride dressed in fine linen --the righteous deeds of His people--the ones who are blessed to be invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. These are God's own words concerning the feast and are the ones that the angel instructed John to write down. The words are a testimony of Jesus--the Spirit of Prophecy and constitute a reassuring promise that will indeed come true. One day the faithful bride will see her faithful bridegroom and, therefore, we must realize the wisdom of our righteous deeds. Since it is in righteousness that He will judge the world, He will surely recognize our efforts. It will be wonderful to be included in this wedding feast and to be with our bridegroom -- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is sad to think of those who will not experience the wonderful things of God at the wedding feast. They can expect to experience Him treading the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of God. I, for one, prefer the wedding feast and eternal bliss. How about you? Next week we will begin the story of Solomon and the Schulamite bride. Have a great week!

Bibledoorajar says farewell to the queen.

     Today we say our farewells to the queen and to king Solomon. They have had a great story to tell and we thank them for all the lessons we have learned from this period of Jewish history. But we have come to know, and to know unequivocally, that "a greater than Solomon is here." There is even a greater story to tell! It is about the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Lord Jesus Christ. He reigns. He desires to manifest the fullness of the wisdom of God. In so doing, many of the world will abandon their spiritual ignorance and behold the glory and wisdom and knowledge of God and see Him in the midst of His people. People will become convinced of divine things and choose to love His kingdom as they invest time in seeking Him.

     Are we helping to spread the fame of God abroad? Are we seeking the wisdom of the Lord in our churches so that the principalities and powers in the heavenly places see its' evidence in our lives? Do we desire to be a valued vessel cleansed and dedicated to honorable and noble purposes? The church is hallowed for His Name sake and is to be the pillar and bulwark of the truth, each member sharing a heavenly calling to esteem Jesus as the builder of the most honorable house, the one that is over all others. We strive to have good food on our church tables and to lead others in tasting the heavenly gifts. All over the world, churches are positioned to show forth the resources of His grace and to show how great is His kindness. We stand in His presence befitting the King. We are clothed in appropriate dress--the beautiful white linen of His righteousness. So dressed, we can confidently "go up to the house of the Lord". May all our visitors see the wisdom of the Lord in His church. Jesus, what a wonder you are!
                   "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything"
                                                                                                         Hebrews 3:4

Bibledoorajar agrees with the queen that the king's wisdom was excellent and that its' source was Divine.

  The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.   Proverbs 1: 1-7

     Think of it. A gentile queen is so impressed with the wisdom of the Jewish king that she acknowledges the true God who alone could have so gifted Solomon with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Through this wisdom a great house was built (Proverbs 24:3). The queen ended her visit by giving Solomon gifts and she went back home with a great story of all that she had experienced.
     On the one hand we have the beautiful temple that Solomon built with the wisdom God gave him. The plan for the temple was given to David of Judah: a shepherd, a king and a priest. It was built by Solomon through the Spirit of God according to His pattern. It was built by wisdom and many wise builders and skilled craftsmen from many nations contributed to its structure and beauty. On the other hand, we have the beautiful temple that Jesus is building with the wisdom from above. The plan was given given to Christ in eternity: a Shepherd, a King and a Priest, born to the tribe of Judah. The temple is being built by Jesus through the Spirit of God according to His pattern. It is being built by wisdom and many wise and skillful Jews and Gentiles are helping to build it.
     On the one hand we have King Solomon whose name means peaceful and beloved. He was anointed king before David and before Israel. He ruled over Israel and there was none to compare to his earthly throne. He conquered enemies and his kingdom was the greatest on earth. His government was administered by twelve officers and his wisdom was unsurpassed on earth. On the other hand we have King Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, the beloved Son. He was anointed King before John the Baptist and before all heaven. He is the King of the Jews, King of Israel, King of Saints and King of Kings. His heavenly throne is one to which none can compare. He has conquered and has His enemies under His feet. His kingdom is the greatest in the universe. Twelve apostles are the foundation of His government. Jesus is God's wisdom personified.
     Both Solomon and Jesus had a royal mission and a good name. Both had wisdom about God that could not be measured. Solomon glorified God in his temple. The believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. According to Paul in 1 Cor. 6: 19-20, believers are to glorify God in our spirit and body because we are God's. In Ephesians (2:19 ff.),  Paul says that together we are growing into a habitation of God through the Spirit. And then there's Peter's comments that we are lively stones being built up together so we can offer spiritual sacrifices to God (2:4-9). Praise God for His glorious creativity which shows us in the natural how He through His eternal ability  built up a house in Israel for His honor and glory. Their experience in the natural is our "schoolmaster" in the spiritual realm. In Ephesians 3:10, Paul says that the eternal intent of God is that the church will make known the manifold wisdom of God to the principalities and powers in heavenly places. Our challenge is to maintain our focus and not faint. This will be our glory and will bring honor to God.

Bibledoorajar rejoices with saints who are happy this week

     Have you ever thought about happiness being excellent?  The Queen of Sheba did.When she observed how happily Solomon's servants served him, she found their happiness excellent. They served him with joy and their joy was an undisputed sign that they were daily drawing strength by being in the presence of the king and by being in a blessed environment. Solomon's servants were happy because the king had been able to greatly improve their living conditions. Through him, they too, attained wisdom and understanding. How happy to live at a time when there was no war, no protests in the city, and when prosperity reigned. How happy are people who live in such conditions. Their children prosper and grow into fine servants suitable to serve the king (See Psalm 144 in which David envisioned such an environment after God would give victory and also Proverbs 3:13 which attests to the happiness of those who find wisdom and its' gain).
     God had instructed Israel to "rejoice before the Lord your God in everything you undertake to do" (Deut. 12:18). As long as they lived on their property they were not to abandon spiritual matters that would bring them joy. Strength and gladness were to be found in His presence (1 Chron. 16:27). This is simply what God thinks---the righteous should be glad and His wisdom and understanding can make it happen in spite of life's circumstances. If we realize we are not happy, then, we can appeal to God for revival. However, during the period in which the queen visited King Solomon, the servants were at perfect peace and full of joy thinking of all that God had done through their king.
     Jesus said that every time a sinner repents there is great joy among God's servants in heaven. This set against the revelation that there are many who do not think they need repentance and these bring heaven no joy (the 99). Jesus had some advice for his disciples as to how to maintain joy in their service to God. According to John 15:12, He told them to stay in His love and follow His commands and, then, their joy would be complete. Is this not when we usually lose our joy? Something happens in our "world" and we respond poorly. We lose our desire to serve the King and our love wanes. We wonder why our environment is not blessed and happy. But Jesus had to walk out terrible suffering in order to follow the commands of His Father. The apostles and disciples of the New Testament attest that sometimes tribulation will be a part of the picture until the King returns. Our responses to tribulation will be critical if we wish to maintain our joy. Paul said it is possible to be "sorrowing yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2 Cor. 6:10). One way he said we could attain this state when we have lost our joy is to be filled anew with the Spirit. This happens by renewing our minds (repenting) and speaking to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. Humbling ourselves in the sight of the Lord leads to Him being able to lift us up. In our weakness we become strong and though our environment be filled with tribulation, our hearts can know happiness and can look with great joy to a time coming when all servants of the King will serve Him happily. According to the king whom the queen was visiting, this viewpoint is that of those who have wisdom (Prov. 15:21) and, it too, is the wisdom of that One greater than Solomon. Praise Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do for those who love Him and wish to be His servants.

Bibledoorajar walks the Royal Bridge with the Queen

     The time for the royal retinue to move from the palace of Solomon to the temple in order to worship God and give offerings had come. And the foreign enquirer, the queen, was being allowed to go with the king. God had made it plain. There was to be a place made for foreign enquirers who seriously sought the God of Israel. It was necessary to ascend from the new palace up to the inner court of the temple, also called the royal porch.
     In artistic renderings one can see the huge bridge built on arches that spanned the valley between the palace and the temple. Scholars tell us that the royal bridge was 250 feet long and 62  feet wide. Single spanning stones in this bridge measured 24 feet wide! As the royal entourage made its way up the bridge, the view of the valley below was breathtaking. The city of Jerusalem with all its buildings and gardens lay down below about 225 feet. Not only could the entourage look down on all the city's splendor, but the people could also look up and observe the royal splendor. I can almost feel the excitement of the queen as she traversed the bridge knowing that she was going to a temple whose God claimed to be the one and only true God. The splendor of the ascent was magnificent, an astounding work of architecture. Psalms 127, was one of the psalms of ascent. Solomon possibly conceived the psalm as he approached the temple via this route. In the psalm, Solomon declares that unless the Lord build a house, it is built in vain. We build but, if in our building we do not realize that we must humbly ask that God help us build, we have built in a lessor fashion that will be in vain. Solomon points out that it is God that helps the watchman watch and protect His people. And, lastly, he cites that God helps his people build families by giving them children. All our security in all our efforts comes from Him. So, no matter how wonderful the ascent was in the natural, the thought of ascending to worship our God and all that He secures for His people was even more lofty.
    Inside the temple, the queen was impressed with the burnt offerings that Solomon brought. In Solomon's temple the size of the altar increased by 4 times in length and 3 and 1/3 times in height to that of the wilderness tabernacle. Here, all animal nature would be totally consumed and the smoke would rise as incense before God. The amount of sacrifices that Solomon had offered to God time after time was staggering, showing his complete devotion to his God. In this effort he, of course, needed the assistance of priests who served voluntarily in their capacity. The priest would slaughter and burn the animals whose lives would be given in the people's stead. Such was the divine order and Solomon wanted God to know how sincerely he believed and trusted his God. Such a relationship between a worshipper and his God greatly impressed the queen.
    Scholars tell us that years later Jerusalem looked up at that royal bridge and saw one greater than Solomon being led to meet with the Sanhedrin and to the judgement of Pilate. How great was His ascent and how great would be His offering. Thank you Lord, perfect Lamb, perfect High Priest, perfect Redeemer! So great was your ascent that Christians everywhere repeatedly worship and offer the praises You so richly deserve. May our offerings be as abundant as those of Solomon!

Bibledoorajar wonders that in the court all that was done was for the king!

     The queen of Sheba was awed with the way Solomon's cupbearer efficiently saw that all officials served the king and maintained honor in his court. The cupbearer was an officer of most honorable rank and was highly valued by his sovereign. He was selected for his trustworthiness and his maturity and consequently had great influence with the king. He bore the cup before the king and was responsible for tasting everything and for not allowing anything poisonous to enter the sovereign's court. An excellent cupbearer, he was fearless and willing to give his all for the king. No other character and strength of heart would have so impressed the queen. Because of his remarkable trustworthiness, all that he remembered and reminded the king of was well received. The cupbearer's life revolved around the king's court and it was with great joy that he came to his sovereign's banqueting table.
     In the Genesis story of Joseph (chapter 40), it was the cupbearer who was in a position to help Joseph by remembering him and advising the Pharaoh about Joseph's abilities. The influence on the Pharaoh by this key person led to a release from prison and promotion for Joseph. Nehemiah (chapter one) was another trustworthy person that a king (Artaxerxes) elevated to the noble position of cupbearer. He had a confidential relationship with the king and greatly influenced the king's decision making. It was having the ear of the king that led to Nehemiah receiving all that was needed to begin rebuilding in Jerusalem.
     Our King, Jesus, also has a wonderful and trustworthy Cupbearer. The Holy Spirit has chosen to be His Cupbearer. He works efficiently to keep all poison out of the court of the King by leading all of us into truth and right ways. While the Father reigns in Heaven and the Son is at His right hand, the Cupbearer in right here on earth with us. He leads and counsels, maturing us for court behavior that pleases the King. The poisons of the old nature, the sexual immorality, the feuding, the envying, the factionalism, and things like these, are replaced with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and other stellar attributes. It is these things that the law of God cannot stand against and of which the Kingdom of God will be filled. When we do not know what to do or how to pray, the Cupbearer intercedes with sorrowful groaning over our tragedies in this life. He fights for people whose stories are yet to be told. Since it is the Cupbearer who brings us into this new life, it is also the Cupbearer who orders our lives day by day so that dignity may be found in the court of the King (Gal. 5:25). As we grow, we respond more positively to the Lord's suffering people. Thanks to the Cupbearer we are better able to remember the words of Jesus and act on them: "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my Name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." It becomes more and more pleasurable to serve.
  I end this blog thanking all the cupbearers who lovingly approach the altar table to share the cup of our Lord with us. You do well in your service to the brethren. Holy Cupbearer, we are depending of You to be with us and grow us into the one new man of which the Holy Scripture speak. We trust Your gentle nature and we thank you.
                                                                

Bibledoorajar joins the Queen in noticing the apparel worn by those serving Solomon's Ministers

     In the dark movie, Alice's Restaurant, there is a scene where a husband and wife talk following the untimely death of a loved one. They discuss the sad circumstances of the death and ponder their influence on the person. The wife says, 'I guess our beauty wasn't coming through'. The husband responds, 'maybe we haven't been so beautiful lately'. So, seeking happiness, they put on wedding apparel of their choice and get married again in an old church building they own. Friends from the restaurant were invited, and the couple was sure they were inviting their very best support system. After all, they had shared so much at the restaurant over the years. Things would be great following the big celebration. However, when all the dressed for the moment guests were gone, and all the drink gone, the couple realized they were still alone. They still had no family to minister to or from whom they could receive ministry. They were still wondering how they had dressed for life. The movie ends with the couple just as alone and just as depressed as ever. It is a sad movie, but it does cause one to ask, am I dressed for a good life and what kind of beauty do I want others to observe in me? What kind of family do I want and what will be my ministry to them?
     The Queen of Sheba was very impressed with the apparel that was worn by those who served Solomon. Importantly, they were dressed with the type of apparel that Solomon would ACCEPT. Lesser garments had been "put off" and garments appropriate to honor the king had been "put on". I am sure the Queen had attendants who wore fine clothing, but there was something about the apparel in Solomon's court that was so exquisite, so lovely, that the queen was very impressed. Clearly, all the people there had wanted to be finely dressed when the king appeared.
     The Bible is clear about the apparel that God will accept from those who serve Him. Under the Old Covenant, Isaiah encouraged the sorrowing people of Jerusalem to be beautiful AGAIN and dress themselves in a way that holy ones would want to worship with them. He prophesied about a coming suffering Savior who would give them beauty for ashes and a crown for their heads. The Lord would cover them with clothes of salvation. All blemishes and difficulties would be concealed by this wonderful clothing. Their coat would be a coat of goodness and they would be like a bride dressed in jewels joining her bridegroom (Isaiah 52; 61). But alas, most of God's people were not able to see Him when He came at His first appearing and refused the new apparel. But praise God for 120 Jews who did; and praise the Lord for those who heard the call to share the good news of new apparel with the Gentiles.
     The Church, too, is to be clothed in fine linen of righteousness (right ways, Rev. 19). This means we need to quit "patching" our old clothes and allow God to give us brand new clothes. God gives the new clothes by his grace and His people take care of them through their obedience. His grace, our obedience-what a powerful milieu in which God can work! There is no doubt about it, Christians are being clothed for victory and we must always draw our strength from the Lord Himself. We seek for our clothes to match those of Christ who is dressed in pure white linen. Everyday, we choose to dress to please the King. In Matthew 22, we see how important it is to be dressed correctly and to maintain the right garments. In the passage, the king appeared and was dumbfounded. He asked people how they had gotten into the ceremony without putting on the right wedding clothes. No way! He told his attendants that the people improperly dressed must be bound and cast out.
     In the movie, Alice's Restaurant, none of the characters were dressed appropriately. In the end they were all bound by the enemy and found themselves in a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth". They could have blinded the enemy with the right clothing, but there was not enough "right ways" to stop him and he won the battle. This was not a destiny that God had planned. our King wants better for people.

     "Lord, please  help us maintain our linen clothes; we have no interest in weeping and gnashing of teeth!" Help us share our Source for our finery with others. In Jesus Name, Amen".

Bibledoorajar joins the Queen in noticing the attendance of Solomon's Ministers

     A while back, I received an invitation to attend the wedding of a dear friend. In sharing her happiness, I came to understand her disappointment in the way her Maid of Honor had not carried out the expected responsibilities that went with her position. While she wanted to be in her wedding, she did nothing to help the bride or to meet her needs. For me, her lack of service overshadowed her standing with the bride during the ceremony. Questions came to mind. What was it? Did the Maid not know what was expected of her when she agreed to the position? Did she not care enough to find out how she could serve her friend, the bride? Did she wish to ignore all the social conventions assigned to her role and just enjoy the glory of being on display at the wedding? Did she not see that her actions were not a befitting way to honor the bride?

     The queen of Sheba noticed how Solomon's ministers attended to his needs. They were dedicated to the king and assisted him in carrying out his noble and honorable purposes. They took their standing in the presence of the king seriously and made sure it was befitting his position and in no wise brought dishonor to him. Here, in this rendering by Sir Edward John Poynter entitled "The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon" (1890), we see the attendants in the king's presence.

    
     In the songs of ascent recorded in the Psalms, there is one which calls on the ministers of God to bless Him. They are to be ministers who serve each night in the house of the Lord. They were to lift up holy hands toward His sanctuary and bless His name. (Ps. 134). James (3:9) encouraged his listeners to guard the mouth and resist letting anything come forth that would not speak well of the bridegroom. Christians have been placed in the body as ministers of the Lord. We lift up holy hands and praise His name. At all times, our challenge is to stand in our places attending to the needs of our Lord and serving Him. In so doing, we bring honor to our Father, the God of Heaven. Ministers of Jesus Christ are called to be devout and honorable men and women in their communities. As such, they would never consider activities which are less than that befitting our King. Mrs. Charles Barnard wrote:
                                                    "Give of your best to the Master;
                                                      Give Him first place in your heart;
                                                      Give Him fist place in your service,
                                                      Consecrate every part."
    
Hear our prayer, O God, we want to function in the roles and ministries You have given us in such ways that we always bring honor to Your Name and to your Kingdom. Thank you for giving us the power to do so. We as for Your favor so that what others may see will be attendants bent on honoring our King through service to Him and others. In His Name, Amen.

Bibledoorajar joins with the Queen in admiring the seating of Solomon's officials

     When the queen went in to be seated at Solomon's table she noticed all of his officials; they were seated together at the king's table. The Bible account says that King Solomon had desires to build certain cities and buildings and make other improvements for his constituents. It was necessary for him to have officials to supervise the completion of these works. The queen sat at table with two hundred and fifty officials who were dedicated to the efforts of the king. While she did not know what each one was responsible for,  she was impressed with their devotion to the king and his works.

     I sometimes think about the men that Christ selected to help Him start building the church kingdom. They often ate together; the most famous meal being the Last Supper. Here they are depicted in a painting by Jacobo Bassano which was done in 1542. They did not come to him with long resumes of how they had previously carried out official duties, but somehow, they sensed their new leader was going to be able to transform them into officials. They were intrigued with the kingdom which He proclaimed. The queen drew near to Solomon's kingdom, but Jesus told these men that His kingdom had drawn near (Mark 1:15). The challenge for these men was much greater than that of the queen. She could open her eyes and see the splendor and could see the officials who managed it all. But the men Jesus called were grappling with how they could help build a kingdom that Jesus said was "within" (Luke 17:20-21). and unseen. And, when Jesus told them that their most prestigious and official religious building would be destroyed they were really confounded. But still the responsibilities were given--"the Father has sent me, so I am sending you". However, Jesus had a master plan and a means to its' end. He would turn them into officials through the power of the Holy Spirit. And that is exactly what He did. Later, when the apostle Paul visited Jerusalem, he met with some of these officials of the church and they sat at table together. They soon would capture a worldwide vision with constituents everywhere. The same Spirit that empowered them would empower others to continue building the kingdom. Their message was "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many". And so, these officials welcomed Paul and his band that would build in faraway places and welcome the gentiles into the kingdom. Uncharted territory was the goal. These officials gave their all to carry out the desires of the King and died (many by torturous means) in His service. They will have special seating at the Great Feast of Heaven which we will all share together. I, for one, will be greatly impressed with their seating. And there will be so many others whose seating will be impressive. How many times will I say thank you? Thank you for your class, thank you for your sermon, thank you for taking care of the orphans, thank you for all your supervision and leadership. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Bibledoorajar looks at the provisions in the house which Solomon built

The queen of Sheba had seen things about the house Solomon built and about his kingdom that others were yet to see. But sooner or later even queens get hungry and must have what is necessary to sustain life. The queen had an opportunity to see and taste the food which Solomon had set for his table. The meat was particularly excellent and was the main part of the meal. Other food and drink was available which complemented and amplified the meat. It was the most excellent cuisine and was served in abundance. One can easily conjure up a mental picture of the queen coming to table and finding food, the right food, and seeing it presented in a most appealing way. When she experienced the taste of the food, it was rich, sumptuous and inexhaustible. Solomon had seen that the food was more than would have been expected and that it would be totally satisfying to all partakers. The queen could eat item by item and be delighted, but still see that there was so much more to eat and enjoy. The food could not only be enjoyed by the queen personally but she could also discuss its' excellence and merits with others because she had tasted it herself. She was impressed and found it all very fulfilling. That was good, because any of us can be sorely disappointed if food does not meet our needs or give us enjoyment. Good food, pleasantly presented is a very uplifting experience which contributes to growth and adds a deeper dimension to life. The Queen tasted (perceived) that the king's food was good but the tasting (experiencing) took things even further. She KNEW it was good.

God has always been interested in His people getting excellent food. In the Garden, He encouraged Adam and Even to eat of the good trees in the garden, the ones that were pleasant to the sight and good for food including, most importantly, the Tree of Life. But God strongly said they were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because their perception would be that it was not pleasant and they would experience all manner of hatred, murder, mayhem and sinfulness. But they did eat of it and they died spiritually in that garden. God then had to insist that they eat of the heavenly gift of the Tree of Life. In tasting it, they would see that it was good (Ps. 34:8). Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, would get a little beside himself when Christians did not want to leave the "milk" and move on to taste the "meat" which God had provided. He said in the book of Hebrews that tasting the heavenly gift was enlightening and would help Christians understand the powers of the world to come (which, after all, is where we will be spending a great deal of time). He said in effect, "eat the meat and grow up to perfection".

Today, a sinner can look on the cross, the terrible tree that man made to kill Jesus, and recognize his own sin and death. But praise God, if the sinner accepts the work Jesus did there, he gets to feast on Him in an unending way and see that HE IS GOOD! God wants His people to have good food and much more than milk! Paul said that teachers had a great responsibility to make sure that they were providing God's people with good food presented in an appealing way. Jesus has made the feast ready. Let's eat with gusto!

Bibledoorajar explores the completeness of God's work on Moriah

The queen observed the marvelous temple upon its' foundation. She saw its' 120 trumpets and all of its' glory. It was the culmination of God's work of provision on Mt. Moriah which means "seen of the Lord". Eventually, all of God's work at Moriah would BE SEEN in the temple. But first there were foundational things that must occur at Moriah. There we see Abraham preparing to sacrifice his only begotten son and we see God's means of resurrection. The temple's foundation which would eventually be seen had to be built on the death, burial and resurrection of a begotten son. Isaac is the only other "only begotten son" beside Jesus mentioned in the Bible. Through what happened to Isaac and the use of an animal sacrifice, Israel was able to receive the covenant of increase in population and in possession of enemy land. And later, God would atone for David's sin on the threshing floor, separating the wheat from the chaff. Satan hated God's people and tempted David to number the people out of national pride. But we saw the atoning work of God there on Moriah following that event. The ransom was paid!!!!! Now the way was paved for the Queen to observe the temple, the glory, the excellence of His Name, His habitation and the famous Ark in the city (Jerusalem) which God had chosen to show forth the wonder of His Name. Solomon waited twenty years for the temple to be perfected and for his throne room to be built but it was worth the wait!

Who could not help but see the importance of these Old Testament events. On Mt. Calvary, Jesus, God's only begotten Son, lay in the grave for three days and arose to lay the foundation for the Church. There on Calvary, the wheat and chaff were separated. Satan was defeated and man's sins were atoned. The redemptive plan for the ages was complete. And the Church stands. It is the New Covenant temple of the Lord--the place of His glory and His presence and His Name. It is the witness of the manifold wisdom of God. It is the witness of the manifold wisdom of God. The church is the habitation for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:19). We may have to wait for its' perfection, but it will definitely be worth the wait! As Stone said in his famous hymn, The Church's One Foundation) :
      " Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, She waits the consummation of peace forevermore; Till with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blest, And the great church victorious Shall be the church at rest."
     AMEN!

Bibledoorajar studies how the King prepared to take the throne

Why was it that God awarded so much majesty to a very young Solomon (early twenties)--more than to any other king? Before he assumed the throne, Solomon, with a contingent, went to Gibeon to the tabernacle of Moses. He sought God there and offered ONE THOUSAND burnt offerings on the brazen altar. These well thought out actions show how Solomon humbled himself before his God completely according to the Mosaic covenant. God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of how to govern the people of Israel. God granted Solomon's request and also lavished him with riches, wealth and honor. But this experience with God was not enough for Solomon. He then went to Jerusalem to the tabernacle his father, David, had established and to which David had brought back the Ark. There in the presence of God (at Ark), Solomon VOLUNTARILY offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Whether required by law or from the heart, Solomon made his personal redemption and proper place with God sure before he assumed the throne and before he built God's future dwelling place. Not every royal had demonstrated such interest in spiritual matters and God could not have helped but be pleased with this king and his devotion. God reveals his secrets to the humble, for a contrite heart is his desire and He will not reject a repentant heart (Ps. 51:17). 

     The queen was greatly impressed with how Solomon, the master builder, had mobilized resources to complete his tasks. We all enjoy and admire people who can get things done. Solomon knew exactly where the treasures were that he needed to be able to build the House of God and he never gave up the vision of seeing the House filled with the glory of God.

     In the fulness of time, Jesus humbled Himself before God and left His lofty estate to come to earth. Once here, He maintained a posture--"not as I will, but as Thou wilt". Jesus balanced the sovereignty of God with His love. Ad He did so VOLUNTARILY! Thus, we seek to follow the example of the greater son, Jesus, who dims the glory and splendor of Solomon. He leads us to always exalt the Father who so lovingly extends His grace to us. Rich Mullins penned (1988) his exaltation this way: "Our God is an awesome God; He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love. Our God is an awesome God!" The Word says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We must stay in balance. Yes, His love is great, but it is not cheap, and He demands our exaltation. Even the heathen gentile Queen of Sheba understood that as great as Solomon was, it was all about his God and she responded appropriately.

Bibledoorajar joins with the Queen in praising God for His Greatness

     In 1748, George Frideric Handel wrote his oratorio, Solomon. One movement is called "the entrance of the Queen of Sheba." It is majestic in nature and I still love it when brides choose to include it in wedding entrances. But as regal as her entrance was, when the queen saw the king in all of his glory her spiritual nature was moved. The account says she gave God praise for taking such delight in Solomon and for placing him on the throne. There was no greater throne on earth. It was unique. It was made of ivory and there were six steps up to it. A lion guarded each side of the steps and the footstool was made of gold. If you have a chance, do what I did recently, listen to this section of Handel's piece and let your imagination go. Solomon took the many possessions that God had given him and used them to glorify God. A multifaceted Personality, Solomon had a royal mission and a good name. One could say he was a vessel filled with valuable content. His wisdom was beyond description, perfectly summing up ALL matters. But most importantly, he was God's friend. When the nations came to him, he spread the good news  of the God of Universe. This was the amazing news the Queen of Sheba heard. Some (believers in Ethiopia among others)  say she converted and took the faith back to her own country.
     The queen was impressed with how Solomon had caused the name of his God to be famous. Solomon had built the temple for the name of the Lord so that His name would be sanctified in the earth. The queen had known heathen kings and queens who had built temples for their gods, but Solomon had built a temple for a God claiming to be the one true One. And, she was moved to give Him praise when she saw the works of His hands. Remember God had required a place for His name (Deut. 12, 16). He desired the following from His O.T. people: 1) temple worship, 2) offerings, sacrifices, tithes, contributions, vows and choice gifts, 3) eating before Him and finding joy in whatever was undertaken, adults and children alike, and, 4) obedience so things might go well.
     Solomon built the temple on the threshing floor of a man named Ornan on the top of Mt. Moriah. God had appeared to Solomon's father, David, who was consumed with the thought of building a temple for Him, on that very floor. It was after David had committed the terrible mistake of counting his strength (numbering the people) without following God's redemptive plan (Ex. 30). So, here on the floor, David lamented his terrible oversight which had brought on a severe plague. God commanded David to build an altar there and to make a sacrifice. So, David purchased the floor and oxen from Ornan for 50 shekels of silver (the redemption money) and made the sacrifice. The plague lifted. Then David purchased the whole site for 600 shekels of gold. (And who says the temple mount has never belonged to the Israelis?)  The temple would be built on redemption ground! The plan and the design of the temple was given to David in a vision and included every detail. David was told he could not build the temple because he was a man of war, but he presented the plans to Solomon, a man of peace and a master builder. David provided his son with many resources with which to build and with an abundance of skilled workers.
     In the fulness of time, Jesus, God's son, came to earth to bring the eternal temple of God to all men. It is being built on redemption ground. Jesus is a man of peace and is a master builder, anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38). His Father has given him many resources and  skilled workman to complete the work. If David was pleased with his son, Solomon, just look how pleased our heavenly Father is with Jesus:
      "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs. About the Son, He says, YOUR THRONE, O GOD, WILL LAST FOREVER AND EVER, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL BE THE SCEPTER OF YOUR KINGDOM." Heb. 2:3-4, 8
     It's humbling to think that God loved us enough to make it possible for us to make the grand entrance into the eternal throne room. I, for one, am VERY IMPRESSED and He has ALL of my praises.

Bibledoorajar observes the Queen of Sheba enter the peaceful kingdom of Solomon

     Josephus, in his history of the Jews (circa 90 A.D.), wrote of the queen's visit to Solomon's courts. The historian described the queen as being very bright and inquisitive by nature. Solomon was so famous that the queen heard reports of his virtue every day. It was these reports and her inquisitive nature that induced her to visit. She particularly liked philosophy and proposed to test Solomon on questions of great difficulty which demanded understanding of hidden meanings. This sounds just like my Jesus who was always amazing (and confounding) people with His deep understanding of things spiritual and secular. Josephus said that the queen asked Solomon questions in "multitude and grandeur".
     The queen had no fear of visiting Solomon's kingdom because it was so peaceful. The very last enemies of Israel had been conquered and Solomon had a relationship with the God of the Universe. Everything about Solomon and his kingdom at the time of her visit fit the meaning of his name ("peaceful"). Fame with nothing lacking and yet Solomon was still virtuous! The queen was wise indeed to load a caravan and set out to meet him. Here is the way her arrival is recorded in 1 Kings 10:2: "And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart".  Solomon was able to answer all of the questions she had on her mind. Nothing was too difficult for him and he knew all of the hidden deeper meanings. What she had previously wondered about---should she believe?--proved to be true. Now there was absolutely no reason to doubt. Solomon was more than she had expected. He was so splendid that the queen said that what she had previously heard about him was not even half of what she saw and heard once she was with him in person. There was nothing the queen desired that he did not generously bestow on her.
     The queen presents a challenge for us. Do we approach our King with incense (prayer) and gifts of joy and express to Him how wonderful it is to be in His presence? Do we commune with Him and ask Him about the deep mysteries of God's kingdom? Do we believe nothing is too difficult for Him? Paul says that Jesus is the pattern Son who provides answers to all our questions so that all our doubts vanish.
That's what he did for the Samaritan lady. Jesus has all the resources of heaven available to help those of us who believe to succeed. We are continually reminded that He is much, much more than we expected. He opens our eyes to the right philosophy of life. Loving Him, we enjoy hearing reports of His greatness every day and He never ceases to amaze us. Such amazement leads to joy and that joy becomes our strength to continue the journey. Gather up your gifts; go see the King! Praise Him!

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."   Ps. 16:11

Bibledoorajar opens as Sheba begins her journey to see the King

     The camera glitch has been resolved and may I present Mrs. Jeremy Blanks (Christa) posing as the Queen of Sheba. She really looks happy doesn't she? Christa travels some distance to learn more about her King and to worship with other seekers. Thanks Christa, for making the effort. Some wouldn't do that you know and that makes you an inspiration.
     Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King, but first let's think more about the Queen's journey. Archaeologists think they have found the site where she held court in modern Yemen. The excavation work is in progress now. Wouldn't it be special if they found some archaeological evidence of her visit with the king of kings? It might be said that the Queen is not only famous for testing him and documenting his glory for others, but also for having traveled from the ends of the earth (1400 miles) to do so. I am on just such a journey that is taking me from this earth to a destination far away. The sites I will behold when I arrive will be worth every bit of the travel time. Do you feel the same way? To travel 1400 miles at 20 miles a day by camel, no matter what the royal accoutrements, was to be highly motivated. It would have been a good six months after leaving home when the Queen caught her first glimpse of the man she really, really wanted to meet. Having personally traversed the deserts in that part of the world, some on a camel, I know her desire to meet him was great! She knew success herself, what with being a Queen, but the glory she sought was much greater than she possessed.
     The Queen had learned about the King's glory from others, probably traders from her country who, upon their return, spoke with her about how Solomon dealt with people. He was in the process of building a great kingdom. He employed many carpenters, masons and craftsmen in his service and they would have needed the best materials from around the known world. The traders spoke of how wisely Solomon administered this project---always wisely, always calmly, but always clearly. He knew what he wanted and he had the power to get it. Such power and wisdom was astounding to hear about. So it was with the Samaritan lady. When Jesus wisely knew that not only was she not married but that she had had five husbands, the lady was blown away! Any stranger who knew that about her had to be someone very unique and special indeed--and it was worth knowing more about the gift he was willing to give.
     The Queen had learned that the king's kingdom was the most prosperous ever known to man. I find it wonderful that the King of Glory is building the most prosperous kingdom ever. When we get there I can hear us all speaking at once, look, look, look! Already, the gifts He shares through the Holy Spirit are astounding. Join with me this week in expressing to Him just how much we love being a part of His kingdom. Let's pray its' borders and glory will be extended. Let's do all we can to help make that happen. This is how Solomon's Dad expressed his love of the kingdom:
      "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84)
And this is what Jesus said:
       "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
  

The Queen of Sheba Travels to Meet King Solomon

     Today we see the Bibledoorajar for the Queen of Sheba. The first thing noticed is that her given name is not mentioned. Scholars are not even sure where Sheba was. They think the lady ruled somewhere in Southern Arabia, possibly modern day Ethiopia. To say so little about a person of rank tells us that the emphasis of our story is not going to be on her as much as on the king she meets. And, so it is with the us; it's all about the King we meet. One day, when we have completed the journey and are seeing firsthand all that we have learned about Him, He will give us a new name--one that will have great significance and will be worthy of mention. So, I'm traveling on. How about you?
     Like some believers, the Queen's effort to meet and talk with the king was so incredible that she became famous. The first thing that stands out about her was that she wanted to visit the king herself. It was not enough to just hear about him. She had to meet him and test for herself whether all she had heard about him was indeed true. This is the kind of visit that our King Jesus likes to have with people this side of Glory. Remember the Samaritan woman (no given name mentioned) at the well? There, Jesus was sitting by the well thirsty and tired. He had been going to and fro in the land sharing about righteousness and explaining how to be near to God. He extended His "scepter" to the woman; "give me a drink." He had her attention. Remember when He got yours? Next, He talked to her in such a way that she wanted to know more about the kind of water He said He could give. Are you convinced you need better water in your life?
     So it was that the Queen of Sheba just had to go to Israel. She had HEARD a lot about the King and maybe she had even heard some of his famous sayings for he was certainly had a way with words. According to the biblical record, he wrote more than 3,000 proverbs, sayings and 1,005 songs. He could "sum up matters" correctly and his wisdom about the God of Israel was beyond description. Who wouldn't want to have an audience with such a king and SEE for yourself?
     The Queen just simply had to know more. MORE. God loves those of us who just have to know more, to have more of Him, to be with Him more. And the good thing about Him is there always IS more. Just like Jesus told that Samaritan lady, it's living water, flowing first here and then there. It sounded to the Samaritan lady just like it sounded to the Queen, too good to be true. But soon she would see for herself. Just as the Queen had to go to Israel so she could document what she saw in order to be able to tell others, the King compelled the Samaritan lady to "go, call your husband, and come back." That's the way it is with divine conviction. It has a way of exercising our hearts to the point that we must pursue Him--we must make the journey--and we must find a way to tell others about the wonders we have seen.
     I wanted to show you a picture of a lovely ''Queen of Sheba" from Alabama but for some reason I cannot import the picture from my camera. I will try to resolve this problem before the next blog for she is too lovely to miss!

Bibledooajar opens for our last visit with Deborah and Barak as she concludes her song by praising Jael and comparing her with Sisera's mother.

     Deborah's song gives us a clear report of the battle for freedom--all the knowns and unknowns that make a battle turn. She sang that saved people would rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord during this battle over and over well into the future. I would say she was indeed a prophet since here we are "rehearsing" in 2010! Deborah could not imagine that people would ever forget the sound of the horse's heels as they pounded on the bed of the Kishon River. She also had a scary request of God--curse those who did not come to His aid against the mighty enemy. (Lord help us!). Her recounting of how Jael dealt with the Sisera supports the fact that efforts like hers must be done thoroughly and completely. I believe she did not just cut down the tree, but that girl surely got to the root of the matter! Deborah says that Jael was brave and courageous and deserved the honor which was bestowed on her. From your tent, can you see the enemy coming?
     At the end of Deborah's song, we find a comment about Sisera's mother. Her character is easily contrasted with Deborah, Israel's moral and spiritual compass. Sisera's mother stood at her window gazing out and tearfully wondering why her son had not returned. What was the delay? Why did she not hear hoofbeats bringing his chariots and carriages? She and the "wisest of her ladies" discussed the matter. What could be causing the delay? Perhaps they were busy dividing all the loot that they had found. Or, maybe they had captured so many that it was taking extra time to allot slaves to each of Sisera's men. And then, what about all of those beautiful Israeli garments laden with embroidery that would have had to be divided?  Thus, her friends tried to comfort and reassure Sisera's mother. But she would surely wail when she learned the truth that her son lay dead at the feet of a woman.
     What I want to know is where was Bael's wife, the goddess Anat, who was supposed to be a fierce defender of families?  Conspicuously absent I would say. Deborah ended her song this way: may all of God's enemies be destroyed and may all who love Him be as the rising sun. The story ends by telling us that the battle was worth it. There was peace in Israel for forty years. Deborah and her mighty force fought valiantly and to this God extended His deliverance and rest for His people. God shined wonderfully that day at the River Kishon. The apostle Paul writing to Christians in Eph. 5:1 says:
         "Awake sleeper, RISE from the dead, and Christ will SHINE upon you."
If we arise and shake off our stupor and get in the battle, Christ will complete His purpose in our lives just as was done in our story. We sit high in the heavenlies (a very fruitful place) with Him and can be at peace in the midst of all the difficulties with which we must deal. We have received the Light and are richly clothed and gifted to do great exploits for God. I really don't want the enemy stripping me of my garments of praise and successfully taking any I love as captive, do you? But, just remember, some "Jael" may get the honor if we do not believe we can serve or if we do not resolve to take action. Jesus stands in the midst of the churches observing. Are we in the fight? That is what we must contemplate as we leave Deborah, Barak, Jael and the other mighty warriors of Israel who stood steadfast in the strength which God supplied.
     A summary of the two polls taken shows that the Queen of Sheba edged out a narrow win. So with our next blog, Bibledoorajar will open for a Queen who had a great visit with a special king. I hope you have been blessed by this blog and that you will want to join the Queen. Who wouldn't want to travel to meet a renown king?