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Day 20: The Veiled Ones 2 (SoS 1:3c)

"Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you." Song of Songs 1:3

In the previous lesson, we likened every believer in Christ to a betrothed woman in ancient Jewish times who was required to have her face veiled from anyone who is not a member of her family including her husband-to-be. It was a symbol of dedication and separation to him alone. A sign to all that though she was not with him yet, she was forbidden to all others.

A few more reasons for veiling the Bride:

1. It was believed by some that veiling during the ceremony also meant that in the process of the wedding when she's presented with a ring by the groom, she won't know its monetary value. The Groom's wealth was not to be the motivation behind her commitment.

2. The Groom was not allowed to lift the veil under any circumstance, even during the wedding ceremony. It was on his part a show of his commitment to marry her regardless of her physical beauty. It was a statement to her that physical qualities are fleeting and are not the reason for his commitment but her heart. It's why Proverbs 31:30 is often quoted in Jewish homes:

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

To the Jews, once two people are betrothed, it's irreversible. There was only one justified reason for either party not going through with the marriage and opting for divorce. Infidelity.

Now, relating this to us believers, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:2:

"For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

In His sayings, Christ referred to Himself as the Bridegroom. He told parables like the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the wedding feast. Christ betrothed us to Himself and veiled us when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. It was Him saying that no no matter man's fleeting goodness and often change in behavior and character, His love will remain true. It's as the bible says in 2 Timothy 2:13:

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. "

He is forever bound and committed to us despite knowing our weaknesses. No matter what you do, Christ's love remains. His love is not motivated by anything we can do for or give Him. It's not motivated by our 'goodness'.

There is only one thing Christ requires from us His Bride: to remain dedicated and sanctified to Him.  Consecration.

This is why Song of Songs 1:3 says it's the virgins that love Him. The ones who recognize their betrothal to the Bridegroom King Jesus and remain loyal to that commitment. We cannot truly say we love Jesus if we only want Him for that which He can give or if we are not dedicated to Him. Total consecration is the fuel for intimacy with the Lord.

PRAY WITH ME:
Thank you Jesus for your unchanging love and dedication to me. Today, regardless of what you give or don't give, I consecrate myself to you. I commit to being dedicated to You and sanctified for Your purposes alone. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • Examine your commitment to Jesus. Regardless you've been faithful or infidel, pray repeatedly throughout your day the prayer of consecration.
  • If you find yourself wavering because you haven't received an answer to prayer, ask the Lord for grace to love Him above that which He can give. 

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