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Day 5: The two tests of desire - 2 (SoS 1:2a)

 We're still on the opening statement from SoS 1:2 expressing the desire for the king:


"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth..."
Song of Solomon 1:2 NKJV

In the previous episode, we spoke about the two tests better put two actions that must back our desire for Jesus as we express it in prayer. However, there is a way of thinking that backs this action. To better understand we'll quickly run through a popular story in the Bible

Esther with many other maidens was gathered from all the provinces of the kingdom at the king's need for a bride. They were all taken to the palace and were put in custody of Hegai the king's eunuch for a year. They had heard of King Ahasuerus and were presented with a chance to have an intimate relationship with Him.

At the king's orders, they were to have whatever they wanted. The Bible tells us Esther found favor in the sight of Hegai and he gave her the best things. We often credit Esther's success to God's favor, which is true. But something in Esther attracted God's favor and subsequently others'. This was depicted when it was time to go into the king. Esther requested nothing except that which Hegai advised. So she didn't request what she liked, she wanted only whatever pleased the king. Esther realized unlike the other maidens that she wasn't in the palace for herself, she was there for the king. So whatever Hegai said, she obeyed.

Esther passed the two tests of desire: first, she let go of the familiar, everything she liked and wanted for whatever pleased the king. Second, she honored the king by submitting to and obeying his delegated authority: Hegai. Every maiden desired to be queen but only Esther passed the tests. It was because she understood that she was in the palace for a reason that was beyond her.

To pass the tests of desire, you must realize that you have been brought into the courts of God not for yourself, but for your Beloved King. Though there are lots of benefits in the court, the greatest lies in taking your place beside the King. God finds pleasure in your pleasure when you find pleasure in His pleasure. There is no true pleasure outside God's. It is in His pleasure we can find utmost pleasure. To desire anything more than you desire the King is to settle for less because whoever has the king has access to all of His treasure.

Your salvation is ultimately not for you though you benefit the most from it. There is utmost joy in a life lived not for self but for our Beloved Jesus.  All it takes to have Jesus' attention is a switch in mindset. A switch from desiring self-pleasure to God's pleasure.

PRAY WITH ME:
Here is my heart Lord, do a work in it. Help me to come to the realization that the utmost pleasure lies in living my life for you. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • Are you living for Jesus or preoccupied with your wants?
  • Many do not submit completely to Christ because of the care of this world but meditate on Christ's promise from Matthew 6:33:

"So above all, constantly seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly"  (TPT)
Whatever may be holding you back from completely surrendering to Jesus, let it go today because it is only in seeking His pleasure that you will find the greatest satisfaction.

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