Song of Solomon 2:4

In the Song of Songs the bride pictures the faithful few left in Israel, God's earthly people. Even in the middle of all their sorrows God will speak to their hearts and awaken their love. But that strict reading does not stop us applying the Song to the church — the heavenly bride — or to the individual believer. For in God's dealing with all His people there are principles in common.

It is the millennial feast for Israel (see Isa. 25:6-8), and for the church, it is the eternal feast with Him on high... But leave the future aside. There is also a very practical and real sense in which this is true of the believer now. Like the prodigal, he has returned to his Father's house, and his Father has seated him at the feast spread there (Luke 15). A feast that begins on earth but never ends.

Let faith spread her golden wings and soar upward, rejoicing in those precious words, "He brought me." He Himself is the doer of it... He would lead us to His house of wine, the wine of joy and gladness. His own heart would open, and He would rejoice over us with singing.

Wrapped in the spotless robe of God's righteousness, I take my place as no unwelcome guest at the banqueting table of love. The arms of love, from which nothing can ever separate me, enclose me in their embrace. The kiss of reconciliation and peace is on my brow; and the blood gives me my title to it all.

But great as these blessings are, they carry a measure of relief in them. Beyond the blessings that bring relief there are others with richer, deeper experiences in them. No thought of relief can enter these — only the infinite enjoyment of His fullness. Experiences which answer to the house of wine and the banner of love.

The poor clay kings of this world wade to their thrones through the blood of millions of their fellow men. His victory is not like theirs. This mighty Conqueror wins His victory by shedding His own blood, by Himself becoming the Victim. And having gained His victory He unfurls His banner, and His banner is love. Love made Him the willing victim... no nails made by man could hold the Christ of God on the cross. Love held Him there — love that many waters could not quench and floods could not drown.

The banner, or flag, stands for all the power of the king or nation it represents. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). How blessed to be under His banner of love, a banner that speaks of all His mighty power unfurled over us. No power on earth or in hell beneath can trouble us there... No fears to alarm, no dread of the enemy coming in to disturb.

Your trials and difficulties are from the hand of a Father, who deals with you in love, as with His child. He is drawing you nearer to Himself. You must nestle all the closer to the side of Jesus... Have things turned out otherwise than you had looked or hoped for? Still, "His banner over you is love."... What a thought to rest on! What a pillow on which to sleep or die!