Changing Claims

Changing Claims

“My beloved is mine, and I am his. He

feeds his flock among the lilies.”

                          Song of Songs 2:16

Changing the order of words will often make the thought clearer or give a different emphasis on what is being communicated, but that isn’t the case in the book of Song of Songs. In a series of verses, using pretty much the same words, the writer unveils 3 stages of maturity in the life of a follower of Christ that, if we allow, can help us see the direction the Holy Spirit is leading:

1. “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” (Song of Songs 2:16)In this first stage, while she sees herself as belonging to the Lord, and while her salvation has a valuable place in her life, the believer’s first priority is her claim upon the Lord. I, me, my and mine are words that emphasize self and, if used too often, sound a warning signal that we are placing our priorities, and the demands of self, before the Lord’s. Far too often, our own needs are at the forefront of our relationship with the Lord.
   
2.  “I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3)
   As she grows in her understanding of the Lord’s mercy and grace in her life, and begins to comprehend the depth of His love for her, His claim on her life displaces her claim on the Lord and she now puts the Lord first. Self is still there but it has taken a back seat to God’s will for the believer’s life, and to the beauty of a surrendered life. The cry of “not my will but yours be done Lord” is often heard coming from her lips.
   
3. “I am my beloved, and his desire is toward me.” (Song of Songs 7:10)
   Her last declaration is of finding a place that most believers never arrive at, that place where self has been vanquished. Here the believer finds so much contentment in the Lord’s love for her, and in knowing that He desires only her best, that she no longer has to look out for her own interests. She is able to find true rest in the Lord’s loving arms.

Growth, maturity and change are integral parts of the Christian life. Not settling at any one stage, never getting that feeling of having arrived or attained, and continuing the battle against self are so important if we hope to walk in the beauty of a love relationship with our Savior. Set your sights high; the unsearchable riches of the Lord await you!

God Bless,
Pastor Joe
Gateway Church