The Sin of Rebellion – Isaiah 1:2-3

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 1:2-3 (NIV)
Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”

Isaiah 1:2-3 (MSG)
Heaven and earth, you’re the jury. Listen to God’s case:
“I had children and raised them well, and they turned on me. The ox knows who’s boss, the mule knows the hand that feeds him, but not Israel. My people don’t know up from down.
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“Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth; for the Lord has spoken:
“I have reared and brought up sons, But they have rebelled against Me and have broken away. The ox [instinctively] knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s feeding trough, but Israel does not know [Me as Lord], My people do not understand.” -AMPLIFIED

“The tragedy of life and of the world is not that men do not know God; the tragedy is that, knowing Him, they still insist on going their own way.” ~William Barclay

Rebellion is to be in opposition or resistance to the authority, power or source over you. In the book of Isaiah, we will find the people of Judah were in opposition to God. They knew the way of the Lord, but they chose to do the opposite.

“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.” ~John Bunyan

“Listen and take note, from the farthest reaches to the nearest! Listen up heaven and earth, for the Eternal One has spoken. He is not happy with the children He raised.
Eternal One: Despite all I’ve done, My children have rebelled against Me. Oxen know their owners; even donkeys know where their master feeds them, but Israel is ignorant. My very own, they ignore Me.” -(VOICE)

We find Isaiah speaking to the heavens and the earth, calling them to give testament to what he is about to say. The message that he delivers from God is this: God, Adonai (God Most High), is not happy with His children. They have rebelled against His supreme authority and have willfully defied Him.

God says to Judah: despite all that I have done for them, all my tender loving care, they have turned against me. They have chosen to ignore My ways. They have refused to acknowledge Me as God and are intentionally choosing to be oblivious to My ways. We find God Most High comparing them to animals and finding His children wanting.

“The ox knoweth – An amplification of the gross insensibility of the disobedient Jews, by comparing them with the most heavy and stupid of all animals, yet not so insensible as they.” ~Adam Clarke Commentary

“Listen, O heaven and earth, to what the Lord is saying:
The children I raised and cared for so long and tenderly have turned against me. Even the animals—the donkey and the ox—know their owner and appreciate his care for them, but not my people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still don’t care.” -(TLB)

Rebellion is at the root of all sin. When one insists on doing what they want, when they want that is rebellion, and that is sin. Case in point, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, who insisted on eating of the Fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, despite the fact that God had told them not to. Rebellion!

Solomon tells us in the book of Proverbs that rebellious people are eagerly seeking out evil. Take note:

“Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.”
-Proverbs 17:11 (NLT)

Samuel, speaking to Saul, gives us a good idea of how God perceives disobedience and rebellion. Samuel tells Saul:

“Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed [is better] than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), and disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you as king.” -1 Samuel 15:22-23 (AMP)

We will find much later in the book of Isaiah him informing us of that rebellion against God grieves His Holy Spirit:

“But they rebelled against him and grieved his Holy Spirit. That is why he became their enemy and personally fought against them.” -Isaiah 63:10 (TLB)

Psalm 107 was written after the Jews were taken away from their homeland because of their rebelliousness, written upon their return after seventy years of captivity. Their attitude toward God had changed and had realized their error of their ways, their sinful pride. Here is Psalm 107:

“Say thank you to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies. He brought the exiles back from the farthest corners of the earth. They were wandering homeless in the desert, hungry and thirsty and faint. “Lord, help!” they cried, and he did! He led them straight to safety and a place to live. Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness, and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good. Who are these who sit in darkness, in the shadow of death, crushed by misery and slavery? They rebelled against the Lord, scorning him who is the God above all gods. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell and none could help them rise again. Then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them! He led them from the darkness and shadow of death and snapped their chains. Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he broke down their prison gates of brass and cut apart their iron bars. Others, the fools, were ill because of their sinful ways. Their appetites were gone, and death was near. Then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he helped them and delivered them. He spoke, and they were healed—snatched from the door of death. Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them tell him thank you as their sacrifice and sing about his glorious deeds. And then there are the sailors sailing the seven seas, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observe the power of God in action. He calls to the storm winds; the waves rise high. Their ships are tossed to the heavens and sink again to the depths; the sailors cringe in terror. They reel and stagger like drunkards and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them. He calms the storm and stills the waves. What a blessing is that stillness as he brings them safely into harbor! Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them praise him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation. He dries up rivers and turns the good land of the wicked into deserts of salt. Again, he turns deserts into fertile, watered valleys. He brings the hungry to settle there and build their cities, to sow their fields and plant their vineyards, and reap their bumper crops! How he blesses them! They raise big families there and many cattle. But others become poor through oppression, trouble, and sorrow. For God pours contempt upon the haughty and causes princes to wander among ruins; but he rescues the poor who are godly and gives them many children and much prosperity. Good men everywhere will see it and be glad, while evil men are stricken silent. Listen, if you are wise, to what I am saying. Think about the loving-kindness of the Lord!” -Psalm 107 (TLB)

“For there is no one so great or mighty that he can avoid the misery that will rise up against him when he resists and strives against God.” ~John Calvin

My friend, be careful that you are keeping your heart focused on Adonai, God Most High. For once we take our eyes off Him and look to the World we are standing on shaky ground; we are choosing to ignore what we know is right and choosing to deliberately ignore His will and ways. Beware of walking the way of rebellion, it is a dangerous path.

“By delay of repentance, sin strengthens, and the heart hardens. The longer ice freezeth, the harder it is to be broken.” ~Thomas Watson

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, God Most High, forgive me for all those times that I have insisted on doing things my way. I realize that this is the sin of rebellion and disobedient. I ask your forgiveness, Lord, and Your help to make godly, righteous choices that are glorifying to you.  Help me to walk the path of obedience, not rebellion.

Introduction to Isaiah – Isaiah 1:1

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 1:1 (NIV)
The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 1:1 (MSG)
The vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw regarding Judah and Jerusalem during the times of the kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
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“The vision of [the prophet] Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning [the kingdom of] Judah and [its capital] Jerusalem, which he saw [as revealed by God] during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” -AMPLIFIED

“The whole story of the prophet Isaiah, as it is revealed to us in this one book, is that of a man who spoke to an inattentive age or to an age which, if attentive, mocked him and refused to obey his message, until, as the prophetic period drew to a close, he inquired in anguish, ‘Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ (Isa 53:1)” ~G Campbell Morgan

Isaiah’s message to Judah is still relevant today. He addressed the fact that sin was rampant in the World and that God would bring judgement on those who insisted on practicing it. (the consequences of sin) Isaiah also foretold the fact that God would provide salvation; He would make a way for man to return to Him and find rest.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,
they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” -Isaiah 1:18-20 (AMP)

And also;

“For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and confident trust is your strength.”
But you were not willing…” -Isaiah 30:15-16 (AMP)

“In the time of Isaiah, prophets are known to be astute observers of their particular times and places. They speak what they understand to be God’s words to the people about how their thoughts and actions, especially their actions, relate to God’s expectations for them. When the people fall short of such expectations, prophets tell them what God thinks and what the consequences might be.” ~VOICE footnote

“This is the vision that Isaiah (son of Amoz) saw and what he prophesied about Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah:” -(VOICE)

From the very first verse we are given a lot of information. Who it was that penned the book and how he received his information, through visions. We also learn that Isaiah lived and served during the times of multiple kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, all kings of Judah. It is implied that his visions and prophesies would affect the nation of Judah. We will find that much of his

“These are the messages that came to Isaiah, son of Amoz, in the visions he saw during the reigns of King Uzziah, King Jotham, King Ahaz, and King Hezekiah—all kings of Judah. In these messages God showed him what was going to happen to Judah and Jerusalem in the days ahead.” -(TLB)

Author: What do we know about Isaiah? He was the son of Amoz. His name means “The Lord saves”. He is considered one of the greatest prophets. He ministered in and around Jerusalem at a very difficult period of time. Other contemporary prophets would have been Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Isaiah was married, and had at least two sons: Shear-Jashub, whose name meant “Returning Remnant” (7:3) and Maher-halal-Hash_Baz, whose name meant “Swift-the-Spoils-of-War-and-Speedy-Comes-the-Attacker” (8:3). Jewish tradition tells us that Isaiah was sawed in half during the reign of the evil king Manasseh.

“We see Isaiah move with fearless dignity through the chaos of his day, firm in his quiet faith, sure in his God.” ~E. M. Blaiklock

Theme: In one word it is SALVATION. Isaiah unveils God’s judgement towards sin, but also the gift of His salvation through the Messiah.

Key Verse: “For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6 (AMP)

Timeline: 740 B.C.- 681 B.C. (Dates are approx.)

Note: The book contains two main parts:

Part 1: chapters 1-39 God’s Judgement

Part 2: chapters 40-66 God’s Comfort and Salvation

Important verses found in the book of Isaiah:

1.) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.” -Isaiah 53:5 (AMP)

2.) “See, God has come to rescue me; I will trust in Him and not be afraid, for the Eternal, indeed, the Eternal is my strength and my song. My very own God has rescued me.” -Isaiah 12:2 (VOICE)

3.) “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.” -Isaiah 40:31 (AMP)

4.) “So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up.” -Isaiah 41:10 (VOICE)

5.) “Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2 (AMP)

“Isaiah is the prophet we need to hear today as he cries out God’s message above the din of world upheaval, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” (Isa 40:1, NKJV) The English word “comfort” comes from two Latin words that together mean “with strength.” When Isaiah says to us, “Be comforted!” it is not a word of pity but of power. God’s comfort does not weaken us; it strengthens us. God is not indulging us but empowering us. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” ~Warren Wiersbe

My friend, as we begin our study of the book of Isaiah, let us remember that though there are consequences to our sin that there is also forgiveness, grace, and mercy offered by our Lord. Though our sins are like scarlet, they can be washed as white as snow. We are so blessed to serve a God who has provided for us salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much.” ~Oswald Chambers

My Prayer:
Oh God, thank you for making a way for us to be reconciled with one another. I was certainly lost, but You, Lord, made a way through Jesus Christ for me to come back to you. Though my sin was as scarlet, You washed me as white of snow. For this fact, I am forever in your debt. My debt has been paid; Jesus is my Savior. Hallelujah! God, I am so blessed to have you in my life!

Come Quickly, Lord Jesus -Song of Solomon 8:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:14 (NIV)
She: “Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains.”

Song of Solomon 8:14 (MSG)
The Woman: “Run to me, dear lover. Come like a gazelle. Leap like a wild stag on the spice mountains.
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(The Shulammite Bride): “Hurry, my beloved and come quickly, like a gazelle or a young stag [taking me home] on the mountains of spices.” -AMPLIFIED

“Let us be alert to the season in which we are living. It is the season of the Blessed Hope, calling for us to cut our ties with the world and build ourselves on this One who will soon appear. He is our hope—a Blessed Hope enabling us to rise above our times and fix our gaze upon Him.” ~A.W. Tozer,

Her: “Come quickly, my love. Be like a gazelle or young stag on the mountains of spices.” -(VOICE)

As the book of the Song of Solomon ends, we find an urgency in the voice of our young Bride. She encourages her Lover to “Hurry, come quickly, run to me.” She once again envisions him, in her mind, as a young gazelle or stag running across the mountaintops, in this case the spice mountains; just as she did toward the beginning of her love story.

“Look! Listen! There’s my lover! Do you see him coming? Vaulting the mountains, leaping the hills. My lover is like a gazelle, graceful; like a young stag, virile. Look at him there, on tiptoe at the gate, all ears, all eyes—ready! My lover has arrived and he’s speaking to me!” -Song of Solomon 2:9-10 (MSG)

That joy and anticipation for her Lover has not waned over time. The Bride is expectantly looking for her Lover still, just as she was waiting and watching for him earlier:

“My lover is mine, and I am his. Nightly he strolls in our garden, delighting in the flowers until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. Turn to me, dear lover. Come like a gazelle. Leap like a wild stag on delectable mountains!”
-Song of Solomon 2:17 (MSG)

The Girl: “Come quickly, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or young deer upon the mountains of spices.” -(TLB)

There is a word, Maranatha, which in Aramaic means “the Lord is coming” or “come, O Lord”. Its roots are found in the first century church which was facing great persecution from the Roman Empire. The Romans required everyone to worship Caesar as god. For a Jew or Christian this was impossible, so they faced persecution and even death for their unwillingness to bend toward the thinking of society. Maranatha became a common greeting among the Christians, a boast to their moral while facing dire circumstances. It was a reminder that their Lord and Savior was coming back to rapture His church at any point in time and they needed to be be prepared, ready to go.

Jesus warned His followers to be expectantly looking for Him; for His return could happen at any point in time. He told them:

“It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking. And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!” He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.” -Luke 21:25-36 (MSG)

Peter, in his short epistle, also wrote of the need for us to always be prepared and looking expectantly for Jesus’ soon return, for it will come when we least expect it. Peter wrote:

“The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night; and on that day, the sky will vanish with a roar, the elements will melt with intense heat, and the earth and all the works done on it will be seen as they truly are. Knowing that one day all this will come to pass, think what sort of people you ought to be—how you should be living faithful and godly lives, waiting hopefully for and hastening the coming of God’s day when the heavens will vanish in flames and the elements melt away with intense heat. What will happen next, and what we hope for, is what God promised: a new heaven and a new earth where justice reigns.” -2 Peter 3:10-13 (VOICE)

Even in the book of Revelation we find Jesus speaking to John this warning to the Church:

“Keep watch! I come unannounced, like a thief. You’re blessed if, awake and dressed, you’re ready for me. Too bad if you’re found running through the streets, naked and ashamed.” – Revelation 16:15 (MSG)

The final words in the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, contained this warning from Jesus, His final invitation:

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star. The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost. I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from or distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new Jerusalem), which are written in this book. He who testifies and affirms these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” -Revelation 20:16-20 (AMP)

James, the brother of Jesus, gives us this warning:

“You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near.” -James 5:8 (AMP)

“The last word in the Canticle of love is, “Make haste, my beloved,” and among the last words of the Apocalypse we read, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come”; to which the heavenly Bridegroom answers, “Surely I come quickly.” Love longs for the glorious appearing of the LORD and enjoys this sweet promise – “The coming of the LORD draweth nigh.” This stays our minds as to the future. We look out with hope through this window. This sacred “window of agate” lets in a flood of light upon the present and puts us into fine condition for immediate work or suffering. Are we tired? Then the nearness of our joy whispers patience. Are we growing weary because we do not see the harvest of our seed-sowing? Again this glorious truth cries to us, “Be patient.” Do our multiplied temptations cause us in the least to waver? Then the assurance that before long the LORD will be here preaches to us from this text, “Stablish your hearts.” Be firm, be stable, be constant, “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD.” Soon will you hear the silver trumpet which announces the coming of your King. Be not in the least afraid. Hold the fort, for He is coming; yea, He may appear this very day.” ~Charles Spurgeon

My friend, are you eagerly anticipating the soon return of our Lord and Savior? Remember, no man knows when it will be, so we need to be ready all of the time. When He comes will you be ready to go? Think about that. Maranatha!

“When He returns is not as important as the fact that we are ready for Him when He does return.” ~A.W. Tozer

My Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to keep my priorities in the proper order. What truly matters in this life is that I am ready for the next life. You need to take preeminence in my life, Lord, and I need to be eagerly and expectantly looking for your return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

God is Listening – Song of Solomon 8:13

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:13 (NIV)
He: “You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice!”

Song of Solomon 8:13 (MSG)
The Man: “Oh, lady of the gardens, my friends are with me listening. Let me hear your voice!”
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(The Bridegroom): “O you who sit in the gardens, my companions are listening for your voice—Let me hear it.” -AMPLIFIED

“God speaks to those who take time to listen, and He listens to those who take time to pray.” ~Our Daily Bread Campus Journal

We are told that God listens to His children, but in the back of our minds too often we wonder if that is true. Today we will look at the truth that God is eagerly listening for the voice of His children.

Him: “You who dwell in the gardens, whose friends are always attentive to your voice, let me hear it.” -(VOICE)

Most translations attribute this line to the Bridegroom. We find him speaking to His Bride, whom he indicates is a garden dweller, to allow him to hear her voice.

The term “lady of the gardens” is used in the Message Version, and it comes across spoken with tenderness and adoration. The other translations remind us that our young Bride spent much time in the vineyard and the gardens, for it was in the vineyard that their courtship began.

What we need to focus on is the Groom’s request to hear his Bride’s voice. The phrase “listening attentively” מַקְשִׁיבִים (maqshivim) is in the Hebrew expresses a deep, intense desire to hear someone’s voice. In fact, it conveys the idea that they are eagerly listening for that special someone’s voice.

If we go back to the beginning of the story, we will be reminded that the voice of the young Beloved was something that the Lover appreciated greatly.

(The Bridegroom): “O my dove, [here] in the clefts in the rock, in the sheltered and secret place of the steep pathway, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” -Song of Solomon 2:14 (AMP)

The Girl: “O my beloved, living in the gardens, how wonderful that your companions may listen to your voice; let me hear it too.” -(TLB)

If the Song of Solomon is truly an allegory of God’s love for His children, or Christ’s love for His church, then what we need to understand from today’s text is that God/Christ is listening for us and to us. In fact, He is listening attentively, as the Hebrew conveyed with maqshivim. He is eagerly waiting for us to take the time to spend with Him.

Scripture supports this truth:

“He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous [those in right standing with Him]; but with kings upon the throne He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.” -Job 36:7 (AMP)

“In my distress [when I seemed surrounded] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry for help came before Him, into His very ears.” -Psalm 18:6 (AMP)

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous [those with moral courage and spiritual integrity] and His ears are open to their cry.” -Psalm 34:15 (AMP)

David, writing form experience, penned these words:

“All believers, come here and listen, let me tell you what God did for me. I called out to him with my mouth, my tongue shaped the sounds of music. If I had been cozy with evil, the Lord would never have listened. But he most surely did listen, he came on the double when he heard my prayer. Blessed be God: he didn’t turn a deaf ear, he stayed with me, loyal in his love.” -Psalm 66:16-20 (MSG)

God was listening and God heard. He was eagerly anticipating the voice of His precious child. John, the Beloved, reminds us that we can have confidence in the fact that our Heavenly Father is listening. John wrote:

“This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us.” -1 John 5:14 (AMP)

“Confident, abiding faith combined with God’s power can produce amazing results, if the request is in harmony with God’s will. God is fully capable of doing that which man regards as impossible.” ~Amplified footnote

Peter reminds us as well that God is eagerly waiting for us to speak with Him. Peter writes a passage that refers back to a psalm. Both passages remind us that God is listening:

“For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), and His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), but the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.” -1 Peter 3:12 (AMP)

“For the Eternal watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. He is always listening. But He will punish evildoers, and nothing they do will last. They will soon be forgotten.” -Psalm 34:15-16 (VOICE)

“This father always relates to his children in perfect love. This father is never absent. He is never disinterested. He is never preoccupied. He is never unable to respond to a need.” ~Henry T. Blackaby

My friend, God is listening. He is ever attentive to your voice; patiently waiting. Take some time every day to build the relationship between the two of you that He desires to have. Learn to know His voice. Discover what it means to be eagerly anticipating to His voice as well.

“You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.” ~Hebrews 11:6 (TLB)

My Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being so attentive to your children; especially to me. It amazes me still that you desire to be personal with me; that you want to have a relationship with each of your children. We are so blessed to call you; Father and I am so blessed to call you Papa. Thank you for loving me so much and for caring.

Set Apart For God -Song of Solomon 8:11-12

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:11-12 (NIV)
She: “Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon; he let out his vineyard to tenants. Each was to bring for its fruit a thousand shekels of silver. But my own vineyard is mine to give; the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.”

Song of Solomon 8:11-12 (MSG)
The Man: “King Solomon may have vast vineyards in lush, fertile country, where he hires others to work the ground. People pay anything to get in on that bounty. But my vineyard is all mine, and I’m keeping it to myself. You can have your vast vineyards, Solomon, you and your greedy guests!
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(The Shulammite Bride): “Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he entrusted the vineyard to caretakers; each one was to bring him a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit. My very own vineyard is at my disposal; the thousand [shekels of silver] are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend the fruit.” -AMPLIFIED

“He that chooses God, devotes himself to God as the vessels of the sanctuary were consecrated and set apart from common to holy uses, so he that has chosen God to be his God, has dedicated himself to God, and will no more be devoted to profane uses.” ~Thomas Watson

Over the past few days, we have focused on the fact that our young Bride has kept herself pure for Groom. She and understood the necessity of doing so and she set herself apart in order that she might bring joy and pleasure to her husband.

Her: “Solomon had a vineyard in Baal-hamon; he let farmers tend it and charged each a ransom for its produce—1,000 pieces of silver. My vineyard is my own—mine to lend or mine to lease. Solomon, you may have your 1,000; those who tend the fruit, your 200.” -(VOICE)

Our young Bride shares with us the story of how her love story began. Solomon, her Lover, owned a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He rented it out to some farmers, her brothers. As was stated near the beginning of the book, our young Bride worked in the vineyard, doing whatever her brothers directed her to do. While there she met her Lover and fell in love with him and he with her.

What is alluded to in our text, in verse 12, is that our young Bride saved herself for her husband. She had decided from a young age that she would obey the standards set by her family, in particular her brothers, and she set herself apart and consecrated herself for Groom.

The Girl: “Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon, which he rented out to some farmers there, the rent being one thousand pieces of silver from each. But as for my own vineyard, you, O Solomon, shall have my thousand pieces of silver, and I will give two hundred pieces to those who care for it.” -(TLB)

To be consecrated or set apart means to be dedicated to the service of God. It means that one’s main concern is do what God has called them to do. It alludes to the fact that you will do whatever your Maker calls you to do, obedience. The Bible has much to say about being consecrated or set apart for God.

David tells us that God has set apart for himself the righteous: “But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honorable character and moral courage—the one who does right]. The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him.” -Psalm 4:3 (AMP)

Moses reminded the people of Israel that they had been set apart for God: “Remember you are people who have been set apart for Him; He has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the earth.” -Deuteronomy 14:2 (VOICE)

Paul tells us that we should not conform to the ways of the World; for we have been transformed: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” -Romans 12:1-2 (AMP)

John reminds us that we should not love the ways of the world: “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” -1 John 2:15-17 (MSG)

Peter admonishes us that we have been chosen and set apart: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” -1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

“God has set apart His people from before the foundation of the world to be His chosen and peculiar inheritance. We are sanctified in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit when he subdues our corruptions, imparts to us grace, and leads us onward in the divine walk and life of faith. Christian men are not to be used for anything but God. They are a set-apart people; they are vessels of mercy, they are not for the devil’s use, not for their own use, not for the world’s use, but for their Master’s use. He has made them on purpose to be used entirely, solely and wholly for Him. O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be. Shall saints be shams when sinners are so real?” ~Charles H. Spurgeon

My friend, we are to be consecrated and set apart. We have been bought with a price; (See 1 Cor. 6:20) therefore let us honor and glorify God with our bodies, minds, and spirits.

“Jesus Christ has bought us with His blood, but, alas, He has not had His money’s worth! He paid for ALL, and He has had but a fragment of our energy, time and earnings. By an act of consecration, let us ask Him to forgive the robbery of the past, and let us profess our desire to be henceforth utterly and only for Him – His slaves, owning no master other than Himself.” ~F.B. Meyer

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am wholly yours. I pray that I never allow anything to come between you and me. Our relationship is sacred. I understand the cost of my salvation was a great price for you. The fact that you have asked me to keep myself holy and blameless before you is a small price to pay for an eternity spent with my Lord and Savior. I am honored to consecrate myself for your service, Lord.

One in Christ – Song of Solomon 8:10

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:10 (NIV)
She: “I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment.”

Song of Songs 8:10 (MSG)
“Dear brothers, I’m a walled-in virgin still, but my breasts are full—And when my lover sees me, he knows he’ll soon be satisfied.”
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(The Shulammite Bride): “I was a wall, and my breasts were like the towers.
Then I became in the king’s eyes as one [to be respected and allowed] to find peace.” -AMPLIFIED

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” ~Jesus

Her: “I was a wall, and now my breasts are like towers; at that time I found completeness and satisfaction in his eyes.” -(VOICE)

Our young Bride is speaking now, and her response is to her family members who previously had told us that they had enclosed her with cedar, to protect her. They had told us that she was a wall, and now we find her agreeing. But notice, she says this in past tense; she “was” a wall, but now her breasts are like towers. She has reached maturity and she has found favor in her lover’s eyes.

To find peace…“Frequently, as in this case, it refers to a girl finding love in the eyes of a man. She is said to have found grace in his eyes. So when this young girl says she has found peace in his eyes, she is saying that she has found romance in Solomon’s eyes.” ~S. Craig Glickman

The second part of this sentence in the original is a word play with the word shalom. In Hebrew Shalom means peace, Solomon’s name means peaceable. Our Beloved has found not only favor, but peace in the eyes of her Lover, Solomon. She has won his heart and now there is a completeness, a satisfaction for them both. The two have become one, just as God had meant it to be.

“I am slim, tall, and full-breasted,* and I have found favor in my lover’s eyes.” -(TLB)

When we become a child of God we are welcomed into His family. This is just the beginning of the process of becoming whole, complete, in Christ. Just as Solomon and the Shulammite Bride became one, there is a union, or a blending and joining together. The Bible holds many Scriptures that teach us what it means to becoming one with Christ. Let us take a look:

1.) Jesus prayed this: “I’m praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they’ll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you’ve sent me and loved them in the same way you’ve loved me.” -John 17:20-23 (MSG)

2.) Paul reminded the Galatian of this: “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” -Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

3.) Paul writes to the Ephesians the need for Oneness: “You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.” -Ephesians 4:4-6 (MSG)

4.) Paul admonished the Romans in this way: “Did someone forget to tell you that when we were initiated into Jesus the Anointed through baptism’s ceremonial washing, we entered into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through this baptism into death so that just as God the Father, in all His glory, resurrected the Anointed One, we, too, might walk confidently out of the grave into a new life. To put it another way: if we have been united with Him to share in a death like His, don’t you understand that we will also share in His resurrection?” -Romans 6:3-5 (VOICE)

5.) Paul also reminded the Corinthians that we are all imperfect, but God still loves us: “Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don’t see many of “the brightest and the best” among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”” -1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (MSG)

“The Church is everywhere represented as one. It is one body, one family, one fold, one kingdom. It is one because pervaded by one Spirit. We are all baptized into one Spirit so as to become, says the apostle, on body.” ~Charles Hodge

My friend, are you living a life of unity, completeness and satisfaction in Christ? This is only possible if we are in union with Him. He is and will always be the joy of your salvation.

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” ~Peter (1 Peter 1:8-9 AMP)

My Prayer:
Oh Lord, too often there have been times that I have not made the time to be with you. Forgive me I pray. The most important thing for me to do in this life is to spend time with YOU. You make me whole and complete. You give me peace and joy. You fill my life with blessing upon blessing, Lord; and in you I have found family, a sense of belonging. Continue to fill my heart with your love, Lord, thank you.

Take Time to Care – Song of Solomon 8:8-9

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:8-9 (NIV)
Friends: “We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

Song of Solomon 8:8-9 (MSG)
The Woman: “My brothers used to worry about me: “Our little sister has no breasts. What shall we do with our little sister when men come asking for her?
She’s a virgin and vulnerable, and we’ll protect her. If they think she’s a wall, we’ll top it with barbed wire. If they think she’s a door, we’ll barricade it.”
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(The Chorus) “We have a little sister and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for [in marriage]? If she is a wall (discreet, womanly), we will build on her a turret (dowry) of silver; but if she is a door (bold, flirtatious), we will enclose her with planks of cedar.” -AMPLIFIED

“God has chosen us to help one another.”
~Smith Wigglesworth

We need to understand a few things about cultural tradition as we examine today’s text. Traditionally in ancient times, long before she was of marriageable age, a husband was determined for a young girl, and a contract was made between those two families. The family, often the brothers of the young girl, would take it upon themselves to protect, lead, and guide, the young maiden so that she would remain pure till the time of her marriage. Our text today refers back to this tradition.

“To be successful is to be helpful, caring and constructive, to make everything and everyone you touch a little bit better.” ~Norman Vincent Peale

Young Women of Jerusalem: “We have a little sister whose breasts have not yet developed. How shall we protect her until the time when she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build silver towers of protection; if she is a door, we will barricade the door with the strongest cedar.” -(VOICE)

Once again, we see there is a difference in each translation on who it is who speaks these lines. Suffice it to say that it is everyone’s responsibility to care about each other; especially when it comes to watching out for the purity of a young girl.

We find those who are the supporting actors in our performance reminding us that it was their job to watch out for and care about the purity of our young maiden/bride. It was their duty to protect her from the advances of undesirable, unwanted men. It was also their responsibility to keep her pure for marriage.

They used some pretty strong illustrations to demonstrate how they would protect their young charge. They would build a wall around her. They would build silver towers upon her, or as the Message says, place barbed wire around her. They even said, “If she was a door, they would barricade the door, and enclose it with the strongest of cedar. They grasped the need to be involved in their young charge’s life.

The Girl’s Brothers: “We have a little sister too young for breasts. What shall we do if someone asks to marry her?”
King Solomon: “If she has no breasts, we will build upon her a battlement of silver, and if she is a door, we will enclose her with cedar boards.” -(TLB)

“We are all in this world together, and the only test of our character that matters is how we look after the least fortunate among us. How we look after each other, not how we look after ourselves. That’s all that really matters, I think.” ~Tommy Douglas

The Apostle Paul, speaking to the church in Galatia, reminded them of the need to help one another. Paul said this:

“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” -Galatians 6:2-3 (MSG)

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that we are all part of one body and if one part was suffering that would affect all of the parts of the body. Take note:

“So now, many members function within the one body. The eye cannot wail at the hand, “I have no need for you,” nor could the head bellow at the feet, “I won’t go one more step with you.” It’s actually the opposite. The members who seem to have the weaker functions are necessary to keep the body moving; the body parts that seem less important we treat as some of the most valuable; and those unfit, untamed, unpresentable members we treat with an even greater modesty. That’s something the more presentable members don’t need. But God designed the body in such a way that greater significance is given to the seemingly insignificant part. That way there should be no division in the body; instead, all the parts mutually depend on and care for one another. If one part is suffering, then all the members suffer alongside it. If one member is honored, then all the members celebrate alongside it. You are the body of the Anointed, the Liberating King; each and every one of you is a vital member.” -1 Corinthians 12:20-27  (VOICE)

“The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But the good Samaritan reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

We need to remember something that Solomon taught us in the book of Proverbs. He specifically mentioned helping the poor, but this promise would also apply to caring enough to help others in general:

“Whoever cares for the poor makes a loan to the Eternal; such kindness will be repaid in full and with interest.” -Proverbs 19:17 (VOICE)

Even Jesus taught Hi followers of the need to care for others and to treat them the way that they desired to be treated. Jesus said to them:

“So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.” -Matthew 7:12 (AMP)

I remind you of something else that Jesus taught His followers, that when we care enough to help someone else, we are actually doing that act of kindness to Jesus. In the telling of the parable of the sheep and goats Jesus summed up the story and told His followers this:

“When those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’” -Matthew 25:37-40 (MSG)

“We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.”
~Mother Teresa

My friend, take time to care about others. Do random acts of kindness; for in reality, those acts of kindness are done unto the Lord. Let Christ’s love in you shine through.

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” ~Augustine

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, remind me daily of the need to care about others. Let your love for others grow deeper in my heart. May my life be a reflection of Jesus who thought of others more highly than Himself. I want to be your hands, feet, and heart of kindness to others.

The Power of Love – Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:6-7 (NIV)
She: “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

Song of Solomon 8:6-8 (MSG)
The Woman: “Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger. Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing—it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can’t drown love, torrents of rain can’t put it out. Love can’t be bought, love can’t be sold—it’s not to be found in the marketplace.
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(The Shulammite Bride): “Put me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe and cruel as Sheol (the place of the dead). Its flashes are flashes of fire, [A most vehement flame] the very flame of the Lord! Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man would offer all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned and despised.” -AMPLIFIED

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” ~Augustine

Love is a wonderful thing; so we all have been told. In fact, throughout time poets have written about love, authors have penned stories about love and musicians have sang love songs. We will find Solomon conveying to us today the strength and power of love, especially God’s love.

“But the kind of love that God created and demonstrated is a costly one because it involves sacrifice and presence. It’s a love that operates more like a sign language than being spoken outright.” ~Bob Goff

Her: “Set me as a seal over your heart; wear me as an emblem on your arm for love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as relentless as the grave. Love flares up like a blazing fire, a very ardent flame. No amount of water can quench love; a raging flood cannot drown it out. If a person tried to exchange all of his wealth for love, then he would be surely rejected.” -(VOICE)

Our Bride, speaking to her Groom, implores him to place her as a seal over his heart and also upon his arm. This would be a stamp or a sign of possession and ownership. Once this stamp had been applied it left a permanent mark that could not be removed.

She reminds us that love is strong. It can burn like a blazing hot, hot fire, which no amount of water can extinguish. Love is not a commodity that can be bought and sold. It is so costly and precious that it cannot be bought for any price, it must be freely given.

The Girl: “Seal me in your heart with permanent betrothal, for love is strong as death, and jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. It flashes fire, the very flame of Jehovah. Many waters cannot quench the flame of love, neither can the floods drown it. If a man tried to buy it with everything he owned, he couldn’t do it.” -(TLB)

God’s love for us is indeed a wonderous thing! The Bible has so much to tell us about God’s love for us:

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.” -John 3:16-17 (AMP)

“But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead—only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved—and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms—all because of what Christ Jesus did.” -Ephesians 2:4-6 (TLB)

“But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.” -Romans 5:8 (VOICE)

“God is love. He didn’t need us. But he wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.” ~Rick Warren

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Rome, pointedly told them that nothing, absolutely nothing, could separate them from God’s love; for God’s love for them was stronger than anything. Paul wrote:

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
“They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.”
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” -Romans 8:38-39 (MSG)

“Let me tell you how worthwhile you are. You are infinitely valuable to God. First, God created you. Second, Jesus died for you. Third, he puts his Spirit within you. Fourth, he wants you to be with him forever in eternity. That’s how valuable you are to God. You are infinitely valuable to God.” ~UNKNOWN

My friend, God loves you with an everlasting love, that is like a fire that cannot be quenched. No matter how unworthy we may feel, He still loves us. How blessed we are to call Him our very own.

“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” ~John (1 John 3:1 AMP)

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed to be loved by you. That love of yours is so overwhelming and unrelenting. You pursued me and wooed me. You sacrificed your Son, putting him on the line, for my sin. Lord, the extend of your love for me blows me away and I feel so privileged to be counted as part of your family. Lord, you are so good to me.

Awaken My Soul – Song of Songs 8:5 b

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:5 b (NIV)
She: “Under the apple tree I roused you; there your mother conceived you, there she who was in labor gave you birth.”

Song of Songs 8:5 b (MSG)
The Man: “I found you under the apricot tree, and woke you up to love. Your mother went into labor under that tree, and under that very tree she bore you.”
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(The Shulammite Bride): “Under the apple tree I awakened you [to my love]; there your mother was in labor with you, there she was in labor and gave you birth.” -AMPLIFIED

“When sinners are careless and stupid, and sinking into hell unconcerned, it is time the church should bestir themselves. It is as much the duty of the church to awake, as it is for the firemen to awake when a fire breaks out in the night in a great city.” ~Charles Finney

Awakening: to suddenly become aware of something, to become alert or enlightened. To have an awakening is to have one of those aha moments, when suddenly you understand something you had not previously understood. To have an awakening implies that one must have been asleep.

Note: The apple tree (or apricot) was a symbol of love in ancient times. Mainly because of its gorgeous flowers, perfume, and sweet fruit.

Her: “Under the apple tree I roused your love for me, in the place where your mother conceived you, in the place where she gave birth to you.” -(VOICE)

You will note that there is a discrepancy between the translations in who it is that is actually speaking in our text. Most translations assign this line to the Shulammite Bride.

Our young Bride recalls that it was under the apple tree when she first awakened this love within her Lover. She recalls that moment with fondness. It is implied that it was under the same tree that his mother actually gave birth to him.

King Solomon: “Under the apple tree where your mother gave birth to you in her travail, there I awakened your love.” -(TLB)

“The “awakening” is a metaphor for new life or rather a new way of perceiving life, which her love had brought to him. Much as he was the product of his parents’ love and was brought into the world by physical birth, the lover had now received a second “birth” or “awakening” through the love of his beloved.” ~The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament:)

There was a period of time in American history that is known as the Great Awakening. This time was characterized by great revivals and an increased interest in knowing God personally and spiritual growth.

“A necessary pre-cursor of any great spiritual awakening is a spirit of deep humiliation growing out of a consciousness of sin, and fresh revelation of the holiness and power and glory of God.” ~John R. Mott

Scripture uses the term to awaken, often using it to imply that there is a need to be alert. It is a reminder that we should not become comfortable in this life. Paul used it often to remind his fellow Christians that they needed to be that they were not becoming complacent in their walk with God:

“Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ].” -Romans 13:11 (AMP)

“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. “Wake up from your sleep, climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light!” So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” -Ephesians 5:11-16 (MSG)

“My brothers and sisters, it will be different for you. You do not dwell in the darkness, so that day will not surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light. You are sons and daughters of the day. We are not created of night, nor are we owned by darkness. So then let’s not give in to sleep or wander around in a stupor as some do, but let’s stay awake and in control. You see, sleepers sleep through the night, and drunkards drink the night away; but since we belong to the day, we should stay sober and in control, covered with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet of the hope of salvation.” -1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 (VOICE)

Let us remember that once we have been awakened, we have been made into a new creature; the old has gone and the new has arrived. Let u not fall back into our old way of doing things, our old habits.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” -2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)

“Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God’s near presence and holiness. Thence springs a vivid sense of sin and a profound exercise of heart in repentance, praise, and love, with an evangelistic outflow.” ~J.I. Packer

My friend, awaken to the fact that if you have surrendered your life to Christ you are a new creature. You should be living your life as a child of light, holy and acceptable to God. Your deepest desire should be to know God more and to grow spiritually. Let us become more and more like Him.

“When Holy God draws near in true revival, people come under terrible conviction of sin. The outstanding feature of spiritual awakening has been the profound consciousness of the Presence and holiness of God.” ~Henry Blackaby

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will work in my life today, making and molding me into what you desire me to be. May I stay awake, and not fall complacent into old habits, Lord. Help me to strive to be more like Jesus. Remind me that I am to pursue holiness always. Let my life bring glory and honor to your Name, oh Lord.

Changed! – Song of Solomon 8:5 a

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:5 (NIV)
Friends: “Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?”

Song of Solomon 8:5 (MSG)
The Chorus: “Who is this I see coming up from the country, arm in arm with her lover?”
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(The Chorus): “Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning upon her beloved?” -AMPLIFIED

“Holiness consists of three things – separation from sin, dedication to God, transformation into Christ’s image. It is in vain that we talk about the last, unless we know something experimentally about the first.” ~James H. Aughey

To be changed is to be: transformed, recreated, remade, or metamorphosed.

Young Women of Jerusalem: “Who is this woman coming up from the desert, leaning on her love?” -(VOICE)

We find the friends and young women of Jerusalem watching as our two lovers come back, arm in arm, from meandering about together. Immediately they notice a change in our young Bride. Something is different. There is a closeness between the two, a freedom that had not been there before. The young Bride appears to be relaxed and comfortable with her Lover now, unlike before.

The Young Women of Jerusalem: “Who is this coming up from the desert, leaning on her beloved?” -(TLB)

Spending time with God changes us; inside and out. Not only does our attitude and character change, but our countenance changes as well. We become better people because we are being changed into God’s image. Paul tells us that God had always intended this. In fact, from the very beginning, His plan was to mold us and make us into the likeness of His Son:

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.” -Romans 8:29-30 (MSG)

Paul goes on to tell the church in Rome this:

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” -Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)

“Renewing the mind is a little like refinishing furniture. It is a two-stage process. It involves taking off the old and replacing it with the new. The old is the lies you have learned to tell or were taught by those around you; it is the attitudes and ideas that have become a part of your thinking but do not reflect reality. The new is the truth. To renew your mind is to involve yourself in the process of allowing God to bring to the surface the lies you have mistakenly accepted and replace them with truth. To the degree that you do this, your behavior will be transformed.” ~Charles Stanley

Paul told the Corinthian church:

“Now all of us, with our faces unveiled, reflect the glory of the Lord as if we are mirrors; and so we are being transformed, metamorphosed, into His same image from one radiance of glory to another, just as the Spirit of the Lord accomplishes it.” -2 Corinthians 3:18 (VOICE)

John the Beloved tells us that as children of God’s family we shall be like Jesus:

“My loved ones, we have been adopted into God’s family; and we are officially His children now. The full picture of our destiny is not yet clear, but we know this much: when Jesus appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him just as He is.” -1 John 3:2 (VOICE)

“Give up the struggle and the fight; relax in the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus; look up into His lovely face and as you behold Him, He will transform you into His likeness. You do the beholding–He does the transforming. There is no short-cut to holiness.” ~Alan Redpath

My friend, are you spending time with God? Only by spending time with Him will your life be changed and transformed. It is in those times that He is able to metamorphose you into His image. In those times as we sit quietly in His presence that we learn more of His nature and His holiness. Take time for God today.

“Within each of us exists the image of God, however disfigured and corrupted by sin it may presently be. God is able to recover this image through grace as we are conformed to Christ.” ~Alister McGrath

My Prayer:
Lord, make me and mold me into what you intend me to be, I pray. Help me to become more and more like your precious Son, Jesus. Please stamp upon me your image and help me to be a reflection of you, oh Lord. Let others see you in me and let my life bring glory and honor to your Name.