esire for communion with Christ. (1-4) The vehemence of this
desire. (5-7) The church pleads for others. (8-12) And prays for
Christ's coming. (13,14)
Verses 1-4: The church wishes for the constant intimacy and freedom
with the Lord Jesus that a sister has with a brother. That they
might be as his brethren, which they are, when by grace they are
made partakers of a Divine nature. Christ is become as our
Brother; wherever we find him, let us be ready to own our
relation to him, and affection for him, and not fear being
despised for it. Is there in us an ardent wish to serve Christ
more and better? What then have we laid up in store, to show our
affection to the Beloved of our souls? What fruit unto holiness?
The church charges all her children that they never provoke
Christ to withdraw. We should reason with ourselves, when
tempted to do what would grieve the Spirit.
Verses 5-7: The Jewish church came up from the wilderness, supported by
Divine power and favour. The Christian church was raised from a
low, desolate condition, by the grace of Christ relied on.
Believers, by the power of grace, are brought up from the
wilderness. A sinful state is a wilderness in which there is no
true comfort; it is a wandering, wanting state: There is no
coming out of this wilderness, but leaning on Christ as our
Beloved, by faith; not leaning to our own understanding, nor
trusting in any righteousness of our own; but in the strength of
him, who is the Lord our Righteousness. The words of the church
to Christ which follow, entreat an abiding place in his love,
and protection by his power. Set me as a seal upon thine heart;
let me always have a place in thine heart; let me have an
impression of love upon thine heart. Of this the soul would be
assured, and without a sense thereof no rest is to be found.
Those who truly love Christ, are jealous of every thing that
would draw them from him; especially of themselves, lest they
should do any thing to provoke him to withdraw from them. If we
love Christ, the fear of coming short of his love, or the
temptations to forsake him, will be most painful to us. No
waters can quench Christ's love to us, nor any floods drown it.
Let nothing abate our love to him. Nor will life, and all its
comforts, entice a believer from loving Christ. Love of Christ,
will enable us to repel and triumph over temptations from the
smiles of the world, as well as from its frowns.
Verses 8-12: The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the
word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to
Christ themselves, should contrive what they may do to help
others to him. Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians,
and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual
prayer with the stronger believers. If the beginning of this
work were likened to a wall built upon Him the precious
Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentile church would
become as a palace for the great King, built of solid silver. If
the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a door
through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as
cased with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and
effectually protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The
church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I
will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what
satisfaction we should look back upon the times and seasons,
when we were in his eyes as those that find favour. Our hearts
are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To
Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All
that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be
unspeakable gainers by it.
Verse 13,14: These verses close the conference between Christ and his
church. He first addresses her as dwelling in the gardens, the
assemblies and ordinances of his saints. He exhorts her to be
constant and frequent in prayers, supplications, and praises, in
which he delights. She replies, craving his speedy return to
take her to be wholly with Him. The heavens, those high
mountains of sweet spices, must contain Christ, till the times
come, when every eye shall see him, in all the glory of the
better world. True believers as they are looking for, so they
are hastening to the coming of that day of the Lord. Let every
Christian endeavour to perform the duties of his station, that
men may see his good works, and glorify his heavenly Father.
Continuing earnest in prayer for what we want, our thanksgivings
will abound, and our joy will be full; our souls will be
enriched, and our labours prospered. We shall be enabled to look
forward to death and judgment without fear. Even so, come, Lord
Jesus.
esire for communion with Christ. (1-4) The vehemence of this
desire. (5-7) The church pleads for others. (8-12) And prays for
Christ's coming. (13,14)