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Day 86: Sunshade (SoS 2:3b)

 “Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. ”
Song of Songs 2:3

In those days, most people were farmers and shepherds. So they had to labor under the sun for hours each day. As said in Lesson 52, the two priority needs after a day's labor are rest and food (satisfaction). The Bride here says her beloved provides shade for her and she gladly sits in it. 

Jesus in Mark 4:30-32 said:

 “...To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” 

And in John 12:24 (The Passion Translation):

 “...A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”

Jesus spoke here about not being afraid to lose our lives for His sake and He exemplified it by laying down His for us. When a seed is planted, it dies, and from its death comes a sprout that produces abundant food to satisfy many. 

Solomon throughout Ecclesiastes described life on earth as living under the sun. God planted Jesus among men. By dying on the cross and resurrecting again He has become a tree. Jesus is the only tree of its kind planted by God for all men to nest under. He is the only respite from the heat of living in this world.

He said in Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Classic Version):

 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” 

Shade does not just mean rest, but also defense and protection. Jesus' ministry on earth was characterized by many coming from far and wide to find rest in Him. Many people received forgiveness, unconditional love, and acceptance. He was a shade from their terrible lives. He was an escape from sickness, disease, death, lack, hunger, guilt, demon oppression, and all of man's troubles. 

Unfortunately, only a few (mostly Jews) had access to Him while He was on earth. But by dying, all men from all nations can freely come to Him to find shade from the world's heat. Jesus the apple tree of trees, has answers to all life's troubles. 

Many men have heard about Jesus, but most do not know Him. Many believers are still scorched by the heat of the world because they haven't sat down under His shade. They still wander through the woods, looking to other trees in the forest. However, Jesus stands fragrant, fruitful, and evergreen, ready to provide all they need.

The Bride said she sat under her beloved's shade with joy and delight. Every man who encountered Jesus in the gospels always left with overwhelming joy, glorifying and praising the Lord. When we truly encounter Jesus, we will not wander from place to place, looking to men for help. We will also be delighted to sit at His feet.

Mary in John 12 is an example of a woman who found shade at Jesus' feet. She found relief from the scorching heat of her sins and previous life. Her gratitude and delight were shown by what she sacrificed to show it: a perfume worth a year's wage.

How has life scorched you? What situation or circumstance seems hotter than you can bear? Have you been looking to men? Wandering from place to place, searching for a solution? Why don't you look to Jesus the apple tree of trees? At His feet, in His shade, you will find protection, defense, healing, provision, a child, husband, joy, freedom, peace, and anything else you may need.

PRAY WITH ME:

My Beloved Jesus, the apple tree that gives shade and rest. I come to you today, lay all my burdens at your feet, at the feet of the cross, and seek rest from you. Grant me respite from the heat of this world that my joy may always be full. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • Whatever difficult situation you're battling with, stop looking to men. Lay it at Jesus' feet today. The Bible says in Psalm 55:22 in the Amplified version:

 “Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail)”

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