By R.C. Chapman
“Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.” (Song of Solomon 2:4-5)
Have you been left, O my soul, to your own will, and the way of your own wisdom, could you ever have known Jesus or desired to know Him? It was the Spirit of God who led you, opening your eyes, convincing your conscience, drawing you to Christ, whose grace He showed you and caused you to believe.
Lord Jesus, Your grace is true grace. In You, my soul makes her boast; and while You gird Yourself, and make me sit down in Your house of wine, a sweet sadness steals over my spirit. I was at one time in darkness, one time an alien and enemy, before Your love was set on me and my name was in Your book.
These solemn memories do not mar my joys; they are needed so long as I live in this earthly house, to give me richer communion with Your love!
O Crowned King, Jesus of Nazereth, the mighty and glorious One, who made Yourself of no reputation, You rule me with Your Almighty love. For if Your sceptor was not a sceptor of grace You could indeed, by a word destroy me; but You could not win my heart.
Now You show me Your wounds, and say: “Peace to you.” You hold me with the cords of Your love. Lord, You open to me the gates of glory, bringing me into Your banqueting house, to sustain and cheer me on my way; and the wine of Your house fills me with longing for those things which are above.
My soul surveys Your glory, O King of Zion, Beloved One, and altogether lovely! I sit down with You on Your throne, sin, death, the law, hell, and the world under my feet. Your fullness satisfies me. In You I see the Father’s heart; He is Your God and my God; Your Father and my Father. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
Lord, You sit down with me at Your own table, delighting Yourself in my soul’s afffections to You and admirtion of You, and my song and triumph of faith. Your love to me is my soul’s strength and joy; it engages You to take up spear and shield against my enemies, draw me to my hiding place, and lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. In the light of Your love I see my foes, hate their baits, and avoid their snares.
To idols I say,”Depart, my soul is the temple of my Lord.”
Lord Jesus, You have said, “Behold I come quickly (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20). O keep Your word! Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, and let my soul, with Your gathered saints, without enemies to frustrate us, rest in Your presence, and be filled with Your glory, and feast forever in Your love.
Modernized in places by this Site.
Mercy Triumphs! 