Read Song of Songs 4:16
Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does she awaken ( Song of Songs 4:16a)? To come where (verse 16b)? and do what (verse 16c)? For what purpose (verse 16d)? To facilitate what (verse 16e–f)?
What does the church desire? Song of Songs 4:16 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the church desires the presence of Christ and revival by the Spirit.
The bride has heard what delights the Bridegroom, and desires to give Him more of it. Isn’t this what the Spirit teaches your heart to desire? And it is the Spirit to Whom the bride now appeals in Song of Songs 4:16. It is the Spirit Who “blows” (verse 16c, cf. John 3:6–7). He has described her as a garden (Song of Songs 4:12), full of pleasant spices (Song of Songs 4:13-14), a reference to all of her likenesses to Him), and pleasant fruits (Song of Songs 4:13a–b, a reference to all of the good produce of her life). It is the Spirit Who produces Christ-likeness in the church. It is the Spirit Who makes the church to bear fruit (cf. Galatians 5:22–23). Even in her best condition, the church ought always to pray for the work of the Spirit to make her more fragrant and fruitful in Christ. Song of Songs 4:16e–f make a second request: for the presence of Christ. The church does not desire revival for revival’s sake, but for the enjoyment of Christ with her. It is His delighted presence that is her desire. Let us learn, from this passage always to desire revival by the Spirit, and the presence of Christ.
What is your level of desire for revival? How do you show it? For Christ’s presence? How do you show it?
Sample prayer: Lord, grant to us revival by Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with that which pleases Christ. And, grant that He would be with us, unto His great delight, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
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