Thursday 1, August 2013
TEXT: SONG OF SOLOMON 8:8-14
KEY VERSE: Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. (Song of Solomon 8:11)
The final verses of Song of Solomon explore the sublime themes of maturity for a growing woman with a great relationship ahead of her and the sacred responsibility of faithful stewardship.
The long expected advent of our Lord Jesus Christ who brought a new type of love is foreshadowed here. Christ also taught his followers that they had a solemn duty to be faithful stewards. In his enlarged love Song of Solomon, we note that each time Solomon is with his beloved bride, they are accomplished as one entity. But the moment they are away from each other, they long for each other's presence.
The relationship we enjoy with Christ through His redemptive work on the cross is unique and peculiar. But He warns us in John 15:5 that it is not a bond we can take for granted. It comes with a solemn responsibility of abiding in Him lest we perish. This responsibility is likened to the consecrated service of a loyal steward which our key verse reveals. It is similar to Christ's parable in Matthew 21:33-41, where a man let out his vineyard to husbandmen expecting them to tend it for profit. Unfortunately, they abused the privilege and were evicted.
Saved from sin, we are expected to abide in selfless service in the Lord's vineyard, winning souls through evangelism and a personal lifestyle of holiness. This is the true mark of discipleship and evidence of our gratitude to our Saviour who accomplished our translation from death to life.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The truly consecrated life is the true test of a saint's gratitude to God.
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