Day 146: Virtues of the Maturing Bride 3 (SoS 4:3)

 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep Which have come up from the washing, Every one of which bears twins, And none is barren among them. (Song of Songs 4:2)

Teeth are primarily not accessories for beauty. Their real purpose is not to sit pretty in the mouth but to help us chew and break down food into tiny bits so it's easy to swallow and most importantly to digest. Just like babies are naturally born without teeth and fed milk for many months after birth, Peter insinuates the same for newborn believers. He said in 1 Peter 2:2:

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Paul expresses the same thought in Hebrews 5:13. he said:

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

Therefore, teeth are an indication of maturity—understanding and skillful use of God's word. When Joshua was faced with the greatest task of his life (leading Israel on a military campaign into the promised land), he had an encounter with the Lord and was told in Joshua 1:8:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

The word meditate in the above scripture also means to mutter, utter, muse, and speak. Meditation is how we chew God's word until it yields nutrients. The essence of meditation is that we may do the word. So teeth are indications of having the right perception, understanding, and application of God's word. Paul again says in Hebrews 5:14:

...solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

There are three specific characteristics of the flock of sheep the Bride's teeth are compared to.

1. A flock of shorn sheep:

The Lord in Ezekiel 44:15-18 instructed that the Priests who minister before Him must wear linen clothes. They were not to wear fur or wool that might make them sweat as they carried out their duties.

The wool of unshaven sheep grows unevenly, can harbor parasites, cause skin diseases and overheating, and even hinder free movement over time. Some farmers even say that if wool is left unshaven for a long time, it may blind sheep. Shearing is important for sheep's health and well-being and is used for both the prevention and treatment of all the conditions mentioned above.

This means that the Bride is well-balanced in her perception and understanding of God's word. As shearing is done seasonally, as we mature, the Lord occasionally prunes us of wrong mindsets and doctrines as we mature. The Bible contains many seemingly contradictory truths that must be held in equilibrium for us to live without excess and produce the right results.

As we diligently meditate, study, and obey God's word, it prunes our perception and understanding of it and teaches us appropriate doctrines.

2. Which have come up from the washing

It is said that sheep are often washed before shaving. Ephesians 5:26 says Jesus cleanses His Bride with the washing of water by the word that she may be without spot or wrinkle. Perfect as He is. In John 15:3 (Amplified Classic Version), Jesus Himself said:

You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you...

Diligence in the Word produces a blemish-free life before God. The word purifies our imagination, conscience, and actions.

3. Every one of which bears twins and none is barren among them.

In John 15:4,7-8, Jesus said:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

As we meditate on the word, we abide/dwell in it and we begin to bear abundant fruit. A barren Christian walk is an indication of a lack of understanding or diligence in God's word. Fruit is an indication of growth and maturity in Christ.

What then are the fruits that indicate growth in understanding and use of God's word?

John 15 mentions three fruits of abiding in the Word:

• Answered prayers: We will ask for what we desire and it will be done for us.
• Love: To abide in the word is to keep God's commandments which is an indication of love for Him. This also results in love for men.
• Joy: In verse 11 of John 15, Jesus said He spoke those words that our joy may remain and be full.

In conclusion, diligence in the word ensures a balanced understanding of the word and a pure and fruitful life. As we mature in Christ, these fruits and benefits multiply in our lives.

PRAY WITH ME:

Dear Lord, Today, I recommit myself to diligence in reading, studying, meditating on, and obeying your word. Let your word prune me, purify me and produce fruits in my life for your glory. Amen.

REFLECT & ACT:

• What wrong mindsets and doctrines have been pruned away by the word in your life? How has the word affected your character and lifestyle?
• With the three fruits of abiding in the word mentioned in this lesson, how much fruit have you borne this year?