A Sweet Garden

O. T. #1555  "A Sweet Garden"
Oct. 30, 2019
Song of Solomon-chapter 6

LET IT GLOW

In the last chapter, we read where Solomon left his new wife, since she rejected him or they had a disagreement. (Isn't that common of newly weds?) She went out looking for him, but could not find him.
Apparently, he headed toward the gardens of Tirzah, located some 35 miles northeast from Jerusalem. It's name means pleasure or beauty. King Jeroboam made Tirzah the first capital of the divided northern kingdom (1 Kings 14:17) (Life Application Study Bible)

According to 1 Kings 11:3, Solomon's weakness was women, since he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Why was he qualified to speak about love and marriage?

1. We can learn from Solomon's mistakes.
2. In his best moments, Solomon was a worthy teacher. Although he strayed from the path, he once walked that path with sincere devotion.
3. God chose Solomon to teach us life lessons. There was no king like him. who was beloved of his God. (Neh. 13:26)  (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

You know, a garden would be a good place to retreat when one needs to think, right? It has flowers of fragrance and beauty, and usually quietness, peace away from the world.

One time my family went up to a camp located in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. Up a hill, there was a magnificent rose garden, which was seclude away from the world. One morning I arose early and ventured there to the prayer garden. There I had sweet communion with my Lord Jesus. Now whenever I hear the song, The Garden, my mind and soul ventures back to such a wonder time.

Do you have a special place where you commune with your Lord?

LET IT GROW

How does this apply to us? Matthew Henry says that the garden represents The Church, separated from the world.

• Jesus has ascended into heaven to intercede for the church and us, His loved ones.
• We can commune with Him through prayer.
• Those who truly love Christ will desire others find His love, also.
• He is gracious  takes pleasure in those who fear Him.
• We must be completely devoted and dedicated to serving our Savior.
• Fruit of the Spirit will be evident in our lives, then.
• Churches should be filled with godly people who live by the God Word and show good-will.

If we are not there in our walk, we need to return, return to Jesus, as verse 13 says. Are you attending a church for worship?

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me.
Direct us to the church where You want us to be.