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Day 71: Hedgerow For Vineyards (SoS1:14b)

“My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blooms In the vineyards of En Gedi.”
Song of Songs 1:14

En Gedi is located on the western shore of the dead sea in Israel. It was part of the land allocated to the tribe of Judah and it's known for its many streams and springs despite being surrounded by the wilderness. It was one of the most beautiful places in Israel at the time because of its gardens and vineyards. The henna flowers like other plants of En Gedi were, therefore, most likely the best because it was a very fertile land. So, the Bride was expressing again how beautiful, unique, and special her Beloved was.

It was said to be a haven for animals and people alike because it had lots of water and food. David hid in its caves for some time when he was running from Saul in 1 Samuel 23 and 24.

Henna was not just another beautiful or fragrant plant though and it was not only beneficial for its dye. It is said that henna was grown on the edges of vineyards to:
  • prevent soil erosion and help maintain soil moisture.
  • protect the vineyard's plants from animals. It had many thorny branches, so it was used to deter animals from coming into the vineyard.

This implies that the Bride was saying her Beloved protects and shelters her even as she delights in Him. How does this relate to Jesus?

We know Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, just like En Gedi is of the tribe of Judah. Revelations 5:5 calls Him the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Lions are territorial. Lions protect, defend, and fight for their territory and family.

One of the challenges addressed earlier in this chapter was not taking care of our vineyards. But when we start paying attention to what matters above all: fellowshipping and working with our Beloved, we will have a revelation of Him as protector of our vineyard. When we trust Him and make Him a priority, He becomes zealous about us. So like a shepherd confronts danger for his flock He does the same for us. He said in Psalm 91:14 (New Living Translation):

“...I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” 
 
This protection is not just physical, it's spiritual and it encompasses every area of our lives. Jude 1:24 says He is:

“...the one with enough power to prevent you from stumbling into sin and bring you faultless before his glorious presence to stand before him with ecstatic delight”

Many believers are plagued with the fear of falling away from the faith or displeasing God. Many are holding on to the faith by human will and not love for Jesus. But when we make our only focus on Jesus, look away from ourselves and the distractions around us, commit to fellowshipping with Him in prayer and the word, and busy ourselves with kingdom affairs, we receive a revelation of Him as guard, protector, and defender.

We see an example of this in the life of Job. Satan acknowledge that God put an hedge of protection around Job that he couldn't penetrate. Unfortunately, Job let fear break the hedge God set around Him (see Day 36: Reputation vs Reality). We must not allow fear of failing or disappointing God to mess with our relationship with Jesus. We must confront every fear that gives a foothold to the enemy.

We should rest assured that as we abide in Him, He'll keep our vineyards. We can be sure as we learn from Him, He'll shepherd, keep us in the right flock, and commit us to faithful overseers. We must be assured of our rest and satisfaction in Him as we enjoy every benefit of our redemption.

PRAY WITH ME:
My Beloved Jesus, there is no one like you. None is as beautiful and gracious as You. I choose to take the focus off myself to delight in You and make You a priority in my life and trust you to keep me. Thank you for You will keep me from stumbling and defend me in times of trouble. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:
  • Do you attribute your faith in Christ and your relationship with Him solely to your efforts and will or do you recognize it is He that keeps us from the enemy?
  • Our efforts are never enough to have a thriving relationship with Jesus amidst life's troubles, so begin to trust Him to keep you grounded as you focus on Him.
  • Meditate on the scriptures read earlier in this lesson: Psalm 91:14 and Jude 1:24.


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