Millpond Ink Musing
No Fuller-Brush-Off
“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.”
Song of Solomon 7:10
Do you feel this about your beloved? Do you know that you are his, and that you are his only because his desire is towards you? If these words seem strange, and the description of the relationship bizarre, don’t feel badly. This is certainly not a description of any human betrothals. This is not how human relationships are built. Most are one-sided: I desire, and I hope the feeling is mutual. Sometimes it works out that way, most others not. No, this verse describes a spiritual, mystical relationship between Jesus and his bride – as the bride sees the relationship, knows it, and gladly, joyously receives it.
‘I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me.’ To understand it, we need to examine the verse from the bride’s point of view. After all, she is the one speaking of her lover in the Song. Basically, this verse describes an ‘old school’ ordained ‘or planned’ marriage. What is described Scripturally is the doctrine of a father’s election of the one whom his son shall marry. The beloved son – out of his love and obedience to his father – consummated the pre-nuptials by paying the bride-price (through the cross). From there, Jesus arrives at bride’s door and makes the proposal (Rev 3:20). The groomsman, or Holy Spirit, quickens and prepares the bride from there.
Now, you might ask, ‘what about the bride? Didn’t she have a choice?’ Yes, and no. Note what she said: ‘I am my beloved’s.’ The bride knows exactly what she is doing and whose she is. If you can begin to imagine a King coming to your door; not only a King but the King of kings! No fuller-brush-off here. It is in this scenario, you can understand the irresistible nature of God’s election. How could you say, ‘No!’ to the very Maker of all that was, is and will be? There you stand in the doorway wearing a raggedly dress, filthy feet and hands – mussed hair? To say no to Jesus? After seeing his full glory? Beauty? Loveliness? Oh, we all have our second doubts, but no… again, read the words: ‘I am my beloved’s.’ Nothing will change that. No fuller-brush-off.
