Song of Solomon: The Story of Love #1
On September 1, 1974, Brother Stephen delivered a ministry in Richmond, Virginia, expressing gratitude for God's love that redeems sinners and rebels. He emphasized the sweetness of Christ's love, which satisfies yet creates a longing for more. Drawing from the Song of Songs, Stephen illustrated the pursuit of love through the metaphor of a virgin longing for her beloved. He recounted the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting God's forgiving love that softens our rebellious hearts. Stephen urged believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, acknowledging that true desire for Him requires divine drawing. He warned against becoming too occupied with works, which can lead to spiritual starvation and restlessness. The virgin's longing for direct communion with the Lord reflects the believer's journey toward intimacy with Christ. Stephen concluded by affirming that in seeking the Lord, believers can say, "My Beloved is mine, and I am His," while recognizing the need to move beyond self-centeredness in their spiritual pursuits.
Outline of Main Points
Gratitude for God's redeeming love
The sweetness of Christ's love and the longing it creates
Illustration from the Song of Songs
The parable of the prodigal son and God's forgiving love
The need for divine drawing to pursue Christ
Warning against being occupied with works
The virgin's longing for direct communion with the Lord
Conclusion: "My Beloved is mine, and I am His"
16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. 3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. 4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. 5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. 6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? 8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
