Daily Devotional for Tuesday, November 25

The Shepherd’s Banner

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love,” Song of Solomon 2:3, 4.

The Song of Solomon is unique among the books of the Bible. Many wonder why God inspired the writer to write it. Others avoid teaching this book. Many are uncomfortable with it. However, if we accept that all Scripture is inspired by God, we cannot discount it.

Is it simply a description of an intimate, romantic and even sexual relationship between a husband and a wife? Is it a guidebook for our marriages? Is it symbolic? Does it show the relationship between God and Israel? Does this show the relationship between Jesus and His churches today? Does it show our relationship with Jesus? The answer to those questions is quite possibly so. Any of those answers can seemingly fit a study of this book. Today, we will focus on the description of the bridegroom in our passage. After all, Jesus is our Bridegroom.

Our Bridegroom is like an apple tree in the woods. The woods are full of typical trees, but the apple tree described is outstanding among them, as Jesus is outstanding among all humanity. He is perfect and sinless! Do we sit in the symbolic shade of Jesus with great delight as our writer did? Our writer described the fruit of this tree as sweet to the taste. Are the words of Jesus and His commands sweet to us?

“His banner over me was love” (verse 4). There is nothing more important in our relationship with Jesus than His love. His love for us is why He saves us. The only question is, do you sit under the banner of His love?

JUST A THOUGHT

Our relationship with Jesus should be intimate. He is our friend, Savior and Lord.

Wally Fry