For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Heb. 10
This morning I noticed another key difference separating Jesus as High Priest from the high priests of the old covenant. “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb 10:12). Once Jesus offered the atoning sacrifice of His own blood, He stayed in God’s presence, resting there. Every other priest offered their sacrifices then had to leave God’s immediate presence. They could not enter it again without first consecrating themselves again. How can a priest reconcile us to a God in whose presence he himself can’t even stay? That’s why Jesus is the only true mediator between us and God. He is the only one worthy to enter into God’s presence and remain there. Thus, when we unite ourselves to Christ and abide in Him we, too, are able to rest permanently in God’s presence.
SoS. 7-8
Again, I’m not sure if my thoughts here fit with the intended purpose and theme of this book. But they are what come to mind when I read it, so I will express them. What I see are more examples of how loving God with the fresh enthusiasm of being “in love” should look. The first is one that I personally struggle with. “I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.” (SoS 7:10). I am fine with the “I belong to [God]” part. It’s the part about His desire being for me that I struggle with. But scripture is full of this truth, and I think understanding it and embracing it has a huge impact on how we relate with God.
The second example is at the end of chapter 7. “…and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you, my beloved.” (SoS 7:13b). This made me think of giving my best to God, storing up treasures in heaven because my desire is there with Him. We work for and give to that which we hold most dear. May Christ always fill that place in my heart!
One last little example is from Song of Songs 8:5. “Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?” This, of course, took my mind straight to Proverbs 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. That fresh, enthusiastic love wants nothing more than to be as close as possible to its beloved. I want to likewise desire to be near to God, willingly leaning on Him rather than walking my own way.