The Assignment of the Bride of Christ
Today, let's explore the important message in Song of Solomon 6:2. This verse talks about two key roles for the Bride of Christ: intimacy and ministry. These roles show how Jesus wants us to have a close, personal relationship with Him and also to serve and help others. Join me as we look at how Song of Solomon 6:2 can inspire us to grow closer to Jesus, support and help feed His sheep and evangelize the world with the gospel.
Understanding the Identity of the Bride
The book of Song of Solomon not only speaks of the love between king Solomon and the Shulamite woman, but also represents the love between Christ and His Bride, those within the Church who are committed to Him.
When Jesus appeared to two men after His resurrection on the road to Emmaus, He showed them how He was revealed in all the Scriptures, which includes Song of Solomon.
Luke 24:27 says,
“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
Jesus referred to Himself as the Bridegroom in Matthew 9:15 and He also gave many parables about how we, as His spiritual Bride, are to prepare ourselves for Him. This theme is also repeated throughout the New Testament.
Check out these amazing Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 6:17
“But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”
Ephesians 5:31-32
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
The Journey Leading to Song of Solomon 6:2
Here is some background leading up to our theme Scripture of Song of Solomon 6:2.
Song of Solomon chapters 4-6 describe the bride’s journey of love in her relationship with the Beloved. In chapter 5, we find the bride searching for her Beloved, even enduring persecution for His sake. This dark night of the soul led her to an even deeper revelation of who He is.
Her description of Him so captivated the once hostile “daughters of Jerusalem” to the point that they ask her where He went so they can seek Him along with her.
The bride tells them where He went.
Song of Solomon 6:2
“My beloved has gone to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed his flock in the gardens, and to gather lilies.”
The Garden of Intimacy
First, we see the Beloved (who represents the Lord) going to His garden. What does the garden represent?
The Beloved says the bride is His garden.
Song of Solomon 4:12
“A garden enclosed Is my sister, my spouse…”
The bride is His garden, full of fruits and spices (Song of Solomon 4:14-16). Our hearts are each a garden for the Lord to dwell, a place of intimacy reserved for only us and Him.
The Lord is after our hearts, that we may sincerely love Him with all that we are.
This part of our assignment deals with our intimacy with Jesus, continually pursuing and seeking Him out of our love for Him and a desire to know Him more.
This is like what He told Martha about Mary,
Luke 10:42
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
When we choose to spend time with Him, we make an eternal investment which will never be taken. Jesus said this is the good part. Service to God can be taken, whereas choosing intimacy with Him will last forever.
Ministry to the Body of Christ
The second half of our theme verse says,
“To feed his flock in the gardens, and to gather lilies.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Feeding His flock speaks of ministering to His sheep, the Body of Christ.
We are called to partner with Him in blessing our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This can be done through giving a word of encouragement, praying for the needs of others and through many other ways. Look for opportunities to be a blessing to fellow believers.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
1 Peter 4:10
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
The Call to Evangelism
The last phrase of our theme verse tells us the Beloved has gone “to gather lilies.”
In Song of Solomon 2:1 the Beloved calls the bride a “lily among thorns.” Therefore, lilies represent people. They represent souls.
Gathering lilies speaks of Jesus’ passion for saving souls. We are called to partner with Him in evangelism.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Our Role as the Bride of Christ
As the Bride of Christ, we are to:
Grow in intimacy with Jesus
Minister to the Church
Evangelize
We are called to help the Lord Jesus in His assignment from the Father. We are to follow Him wherever He goes.
We are to be with Him where He is—dwelling with Him in the garden of our heart, helping to feed His sheep and evangelizing the world with the gospel.
Song of Solomon 6:2 gives us a clear picture of what it means to be the Bride of Christ. We are called to build a deep relationship with Jesus and to serve His Church. These two roles are very important to Jesus, who wants our love and our help in His work. Let’s be encouraged to spend more time with Jesus and to serve others with love and dedication, fulfilling our special role as the Bride of Christ.