Lover: I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. (Song of Songs 5:1) (NIV)
Jesus passed into the garden of heaven. Now he awaits union with those promised to him. That’s us. It’s tiny me. He satisfied himself on the bounty of paradise, and recovered from crucifixion. He is restored, fit, and ready for us.
Friends: Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers. (Song of Songs 5:1) (NIV)
Angels watch our love and cheer us forward. “Go, rush into deep love.”
I slept but my heart was awake. (Song of Songs 5:2) (NIV)
On earth, my mind drags through the days in foggy slumber. But my heart is alert, straining for any whisper from my lover. Pacing the doorway, my spirit waits for his arrival.
Beloved: Listen! My lover is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one.” (Song of Songs 5:2) (NIV)
I’m a flawless lover because he absorbed my every mark. I’m left spotless, able to give what he deserves.
Friends: How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women? (Song of Songs 5:9) (NIV)
Beloved: My lover is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. (Song of Songs 5:10) (NIV)
How is the lover of my heart worth devotion? Let me tell you who he is. He is the image of the invisible God. He is the creator of all things in heaven and on earth. He holds everything together, right now.
When sin corrupted what my lover made, he was not bested. He sacrificed his life to reclaim creation. Peace reigns in me, because he placed himself under my sin mucked foot. He became the first of many to overcome death. He is the head of the living body of victors. The fullness of God dwells in Jesus, and together, they live in me.
Who is this lover of mine? He is the one who's perfection spills onto me so our hearts can entwine.
Prayer: Perfect one, you are outstanding among all the thousands.