Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Experiencing the Love of Jesus!

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8 Look! Listen! There's my lover! Do you see him coming? Vaulting the mountains, leaping the hills. 9 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! 10 My lover has arrived and he's speaking to me! Get up, my dear friend, fair and beautiful lover - come to me! 11 Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! 12 Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world's a choir - and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios. 13 Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. Oh, get up, dear friend, my fair and beautiful lover - come to me! (Song of Solomon 2:8-13 The Message Bible)

What wonders! What joy! What unbelievable blessings come through that unexplainable, but very enjoyable thing called love. How many love songs have been written since recorded history began? Which is your favorite? And why? And to narrow it down just.a wee bit, how many love songs about Jesus have been written? And the why is because of the difference God makes in the life of those who surrender to Him. Today's passage is one which has both baffled and blessed many a believer since the day it was published. Some have called it the R-rated book of the Bible. Others the love-struck songs of King Solomon. And still others who see something beyond the written words to what truly is being shared behind each verse.

In this poetic passage from Song of Solomon, we see a vivid image of love that transcends time and season. The lover, leaping and bounding across mountains, symbolizes the eager, dynamic love of Christ coming into our lives. Do you remember that day and experience? Why didn't you write a song about it? This imagery reflects not only the excitement of love but also the transformative power of Jesus, who leaps over barriers and obstacles to reach us with His grace. The title Savior means a lot of things especially to those Whom He saves.

The invitation to “arise” and “come away” resonates deeply with the call of Christ to His followers. In the New Testament, Jesus extends a similar invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This call invites us to leave behind the old ways and embrace a new season in Christ, where winter’s cold and dreariness give way to the warmth and vibrancy of His love. Truly a life in Christ leads us beyond the mundane of the world into the marvelous ways of God.

Just as the passage describes the end of winter and the blossoming of nature, our lives are transformed when we accept Christ’s invitation. He brings spiritual renewal and joy, much like the blooming flowers and singing birds. Embracing Christ’s love leads us into a new season filled with His grace, peace, and abundant life. Dear one, if you desire that for yourself, invite Christ Jesus into your heart and make Him yours!

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, We are grateful for Your relentless and passionate love, which leaps over every barrier to reach us. Thank You for inviting us into a new season of life with You, leaving behind the coldness of winter and stepping into the warmth of Your presence. Help us to fully embrace Your invitation, finding renewal and joy in Your love. Guide us through each day, transforming us with Your grace and leading us closer to Your heart. And Lord, as we pray, hear the prayer of this dear reader as she/he invites You into their lives to make them new; for all this we pray in faith and in the powerful name of Jesus our Lord, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider areas where you might be holding onto past burdens or limitations. Open your heart to the renewal and transformation that Jesus offers. Engage with His Word, seek His presence in prayer, and allow His love to refresh and renew you. Embrace the new beginning He is offering, and share the hope and joy of His love with those around you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.