Does it seem strange to say that a loving relationship needs to be protected? Think of one that’s shared with perhaps a parent, spouse, or dear friend. Besides wanting the person to be kept from harm, we also protect the relationship itself—with our time, actions, words, and focus. If that’s true of human connections, how much more so for the most important love we enjoy: the love between us and the Savior of our soul.
Illustration by Jeff Gregory
BACKGROUND
The Song of Solomon has three main interpretations, each equally legitimate: It’s the story of courtship and marriage between a man and woman; an allegory of Christ’s deep love for His church; and a symbolic depiction of His relationship with each believer.
READ
Song of Solomon 2:1-17
REFLECT
Jesus gladly proclaims His love for you to the world.
A popular 19th-century hymn begins, “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Scripture confirms the assertion, and as believers, we understand its truth in a soul-deep way. Though at times our confidence may be undermined by limited self-esteem or the distance caused by disobedience, we know deep in our heart that the Lord loves us. How does that knowledge help you read the dialogue in Song 2:1-6?
Read verses 2-3. How has Christ been a fruit-giving and shade-providing tree for you? Describe some ways He has treated you, in this dark world, as “a lily among the thorns.”
The Hebrew verb dagal (v. 4) means “to raise a banner.” This was how the nation of Israel organized as the tribes traveled through the desert: Families placed their tents with others of the same lineage. The Lord raising a banner of love over us indicates a connection established by blood, a public declaration of allegiance, and an unashamed proclamation of affection. What does this tell you about the Savior’s heart for you? Describe some ways we can reciprocate.
REFLECT
How does your relationship with Christ shape the way you experience the world?
Verses 2-4 hint at a theme of personal love lived out not only in privacy but also in community, which is true of most relationships. In what ways—positive or negative—does being in the world affect your relationship with Jesus?
The King invites each of us into the beauty of life with Him (vv. 10-14). Yet among the blessings (flowers, doves, ripe fruit), phrases like “steep pathway” (v. 14) hint at difficulty. Zamar is sometimes translated as “singing” and sometimes as “pruning” (v. 12). What does this reveal about the possibility of maintaining joy as God removes unhealthy things from our life?
Flourishing love attracts subtle threats, or “foxes” (v. 15)—small compromises that gradually diminish our longing for the Lord. When have you experienced legitimate pursuits claiming time meant for Jesus, or social pressures that made you hide your devotion?
When the Lord truly possesses us and we Him (v. 16), only what truly matters will remain. Then as we protect the relationship and eliminate distractions, wisdom and simplicity replace unnecessary complexities. How do verses 16-17 show we can trust Him to perfectly govern our provision, fellowship, work, leisure, and even things we surround ourselves with?
REFLECT
Are you willing to experience what a difference it can make when Jesus becomes the true center of your life?
Christ doesn’t call you to an empty, minimalist life or to a distressingly overburdened one. Protect your love for Him as the relationship develops day by day. He will provide divine order and—far from scarcity—satisfying abundance.
