Bibledoorajar concludes our visit with the King and His beloved

"You who dwell in the gardens, The companions listen for your voice,

Cause me to hear it. Make haste, my beloved, And be you like a roe

deer or a young hart, On the mountain of spices."

Song of Solomon 8: 13-14

     When we started our discussion of the country girl's relationship with the shepherd she expressed awareness that the virgins loved him and ran after him. But early on, she asked him to draw HER in such a way that she alone hears him. Now in the last passage that we will consider from the Song, our girl addresses the King as his wife. She reminds him that she offers herself to be his completely. She is aware of all the activities of his sphere--his garden--his dwelling place. She is aware of all the companions of the court who attend him and constantly are listening to his voice. But she asks, "cause ME to hear it." The courtiers are ever alert to the King, but she says he must have a unique bidding for her, for after all, she is his wife. She would rather not have to wait for him. She wants him to be so attracted to her that he comes quickly to the place they share together. Let their relationship be full of joy and happiness. Let him "leave the guys" and swiftly come to her, his one and only. In the garden, among the spices, a beautiful aroma ascends from such dedicated love.

     Israel was supposed to have such a dedicated love to God. From the temple mount in Jerusalem, incenses from the spices were to ascend to their Holy Husband. Traveling to the Temple Mount to find Him was meant to be consumed by mutual love. He was there, if only they would respond in truth. Those who were "caused to hear" would journey from afar to be in that Holy place with Him.

     As modern "country girls" turned Bride of Christ," our challenge is to ask Him to "cause us to hear" so that we might spend time alone with Him. Just where will we be together? The Bible says that we may be seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2)--the heavenly Jerusalem--the mountain of spices. Here we may talk and share together as we await the time when we will be with Him continuously and forever.

     As we close this lesson, I wish to give special honor to the Holy Spirit. Praise Him for the bond of our union with Christ. Surely, He will accomplish the complete work of this bonding. If He raised our Christ, then we the bride will surely follow as a body following its' head. This will happen through the power of the Spirit of Holiness. Thus our journey from a nondescript country life will have been completed and our conformation to His glory will be manifested. All the Way with Jesus--thank you Holy Spirit for the process of bringing us from death to eternal, glorious life. Even so, CAUSE US TO HEAR!  Help us to remain faithful. Amen.

     Next week, join us as we begin lessons from the book of Esther. See you then.