One of the most fascinating books in the entire Bible is the Song of Solomon. Despite the different interpretations of this book, there is one unmistakable feature, and that is the intimacy that exists between the bridegroom and the Shulamite woman. The term “beloved” – whether it be how the bridegroom describes the bride or vice versa – is found 33 times in 8 chapters! The loving exchange between the two is repeated over and over.
The book is a true story of love that existed between two lovers, and it is also a divine revelation of the kind of relationship that is meant to be enjoyed within the monogamous, heterosexual covenant of marriage (Genesis 2:21-25; Mark 10:6-9). Additionally, many competent bible teachers see in this book a beautiful picture of the love relationship that exists between The Lord Jesus Christ (the Bridegroom), and His bride, the Church (John 3:29; Ephesians 5:22-32).
I pray that The Spirit of God would open our hearts and eyes afresh to the fellowship with God that is ours by virtue of the perfect sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:1-3). But what good does it do any of us to know intellectually that the bible talks about fellowship and intimacy with The Lord if we do not believe it, and are not experiencing it practically? In Christ, we are accepted (Ephesians 1:6) and complete (Colossians 2:10). Through Christ we have direct access to The Father (Ephesians 2:18), and are exhorted to come boldly into His presence at any time with any need (Hebrews 4:14-16). The elements of the bread and the cup remind us of the price that was paid for our sin debt to make way for joyful fellowship with Jesus.
