30 Day Challenge - Day 26

Worship at the Cross

Song of Songs is a beautiful poetry book about Christ and His bride. It follows the romance of His infinite love and her learning to receive it and love in return.

Song of Songs 1:12-14

12. As the king surrounded me, the sweet fragrance of my praise perfume awakened the night.

13. A sachet of myrrh is my Lover, like a tied up bundle of myrrh resting over my heart.

14. He is like a bouquet of henna blossoms - henna plucked near the vines at the fountain of the Lamb. I will hold Him and never let him part.

The words “praise perfume” are a literal translation for the word spikenard. It is the same word used when Mary broke the alabaster jar of expensive oil of spikenard to anoint Jesus’ head and feet. This costly, fragrant oil was commonly used to anoint a body for burial but was also used to anoint a king to reign.

Myrrh was also very costly. Its primary use was as an embalming spice, therefore generally associated with suffering. The Shulamite referred to her lover as a tied up bundle of myrrh - a picture of Jesus on the cross. The suffering love of Jesus, a love that is selfless and limitless, will be over her heart.

Henna will dye or change anything it comes in contact with (hair, skin, fabric …) and in this verse He is like a cluster of henna blossoms. This thorny bush was used as a hedge of protection around crops to keep animals, trespassers and wind out. The Fountain of the Lamb, where these henna blossoms come from is a real place. The Hebrew word for henna is a homonym also meaning atonement or redeeming grace.

As the bride is immersed in His presence, recognizing His intense love and fierce protection, dreams begin to awaken in her. Awareness and active response to Him intensify.

The shepherd-king responds to her in verse 15:

Look at you, my dearest darling, you are so lovely! You are beauty itself to me. Your passionate eyes are like loyal, gentle doves.

He is looking at her through the veil that was torn to give her complete access to him. In her eyes he sees the loyalty and gentleness of Holy Spirit.

As you receive communion, spend a few minutes in worship. Let your heart be filled with gratitude for what He suffered to have an intimate relationship with you.