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Day 139: Beautified with Purple & Love (SoS 3:10c&d)

 He made its pillars of silver, Its support of gold, Its seat of purple, Its interior paved with love By the daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Songs 3:10)

Lastly, the Bride says the palanquin seat is covered in purple and its interiors are paved with love. Let's look into that.

Purple is a very rare color in nature and it was not just expensive to create its dye, it was a long and stressful process. Because of this, it was mostly worn by nobles and royals. All through the Bible kings and wealthy men were known for their linen and purple clothing.

For this reason, the color purple is also considered a symbol of not just wealth but authority. So the color purple is a sign of influence and power.

Solomon was not just wealthy, he was the King of Israel. His power and authority extended beyond the borders of Israel. 1 Kings 4:21 records many nations paid tribute to Him.

Jesus after His resurrection said in Matthew 28:18:

...All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

And to us His Bride He said in Luke 10:19:

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Paul said in Ephesians 2:6 (The Passion Translation):

He raised us up with Christ the exalted One, and we ascended with him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ!

In His place of authority and power, we, His Bride are seated with Him.

Lastly, the Bride says the interior of the palanquin is paved with love by the daughters of Jerusalem. The Amplified Classic Version says:

...the inside of it lovingly and intricately wrought in needlework by the daughters of Jerusalem.

Embroideries and needlework were mainly done by women in ancient cultures and in ancient Israel. In Exodus, the curtains of the Tabernacle were embroidered and the High Priest's garment was fitted with precious stones.

Their work also included weaving so the palanquin was not just beautiful on the inside but comfortable. Solomon was a King loved by all of the daughters of Jerusalem as stated in SoS 1:3. They would've beautified his palanquin with much enthusiasm, carefully doing their task to make their affections known by the end product.

We said in the introductory lesson that the daughters of Jerusalem represent everyone that has given their hearts to the Lord Jesus. We also noted in Lesson 4 that every believer is a daughter of the King (our Father - God) and is a maiden in His court.

This beautification of the interior of the palanquin refers to our labor as believers to beautify, nurture, and help the Bride of Christ (both individually and collectively) into maturity. Hebrews 6:10 says:

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

As each one of us labors to serve the Lord by serving fellow believers and His purposes in and outside our local church, we showcase the beauty of His love and sacrifice. He said to us in John 13:35 (The Passion Translation):

For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.”

We are seated in authority with Christ. This authority however must be tempered with love. Love is shown in service. We have an example in Christ our Lord and Lover. He said in Mark 10:42-45:

...“Those recognized as rulers of the people and those who are in top leadership positions rule oppressively over their subjects, but this is not the example you are to follow. You are to lead by a different model. If you want to be the greatest, then live as one called to serve others. The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price for the salvation of many.”

I'll end with a beautiful quote by Martin Luther King Jr. that explains the relationship between power (authority) and love:

Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.

PRAY WITH ME:

My Lord and Beloved Jesus, what a privilege it is to be seated with You in the heavens. Thank you for your authority is mine. Grant me a revelation of this authority and how to walk in it. Help me Lord to labor in love with no ulterior motives. Give me the heart of a bond slave that I may joyfully lay my life down in service as You did. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

  • Do you recognize, understand, and use the authority Christ has given to you?
  • Are you laboring for God in and outside your local church?
  • Is your service to God motivated by love for Him and people?

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