Pastor Mark's May Letter

WINTER IS PAST, SPRING HAS COME


Dear Church Family,

There is a wonderful book in the Old Testament that is seldom quoted.  It is named THE SONG OF SOLOMON.  It is best described as love poetry.  But because of its explicitly erotic character, ancient Jews and Christians alike rejected its literal interpretation and, instead, allegorized it.  The Jews allegorized it by saying it referred to God's dealings with His bride, Israel.  The early (first) Christians saw it as representing the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church.

Chapter 2:10b-13 says:  "My beloved spoke and said to me, 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.  See!  The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.  The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.  Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.'"

This is a very sweet and romantic piece from one lover to another.  But it means more to the Christian than communication between two persons seeking intimacy.  It may also be understood as a description of (or prompting of) something that reminds us of the intimate love that we can have for Jesus Christ, and more importantly the love He has for us.

In this spring season, is it time for you to wave goodbye to some of that depression and discouragement that has been brooding inside of you during the winter season?  Or, has there been a spiritual season of winter in your soul?  Might Jesus be saying to you: 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.  See!  The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.'?

We need God’s refreshment, now, and every day.  Some of you understand exactly what I am saying.  Winter was difficult.  Your burdens range from health concerns, employment problems, family    dysfunction, financial difficulties, …

Many left Jesus when He said the audacious and covenantal words, '… unless you eat (my) flesh and drink (my) blood you have no life in you …” (John 6:53-57).  Then Jesus asked His closest friends if they, too, were going to leave (6:67).  To this Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.” (6:68).

No matter how bad it gets, we know that only Jesus has the words of eternal life.  If we try to run to the other side of the earth (as did Jonah) or find a substitute for God, there is no relief.  Only Jesus can push away the winter and put a song in our hearts, and inspire the springing up of flowers.

May you experience what it means for His tender-hearted mercies to gently push away your sadness, and for God to fashion your successes and failures into something beautiful.

Jesus is saying to you: 'Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.'"

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Mark