It's All About Perspective

Have you ever wondered what's up with "the daughters of Jerusalem"? I've heard speculations of palace attendants, assigned the menial tasks of serving a queen and immature sisters who sneak a peak and giggle a lot. No one seems to know for sure. But every love story has people who watch a romance develop; hapless "want-to-be's" that sit at the window, propped with a hand beneath their chin, breathing a deep sigh every time the couple walks by. I just find it fascinating that a God of supreme intelligence would stoop to adolescence to communicate His message of truth. I think it all has to do with perspective.

Just imagine if I was reading this blog on the stage of a crowded auditorium. You just happen to be among them. From my position I can make out the form of many faces and maybe even a few shoulders of people sitting in stationary rows just inside the shadows of stage lighting. From your perspective you see one person - me - speaking behind a podium with the backdrop of a large, red curtain. Perspective helps us determine different points of view.

Above all, the Song helps you identify with your position as the Bride of Christ. From this perspective your face is fixed on Jesus. As you grow in greater revelation of his private love for you there are always "maidens" on the side lines watching with innocent pursuit. They want what you have and the only way to identify with the romance of a unseen God is by observation. But don't miss this point. At the same time you are also counted among the maidens. For every Shulamite there are a host of Daughters. No one person is the Shulamite (even though God's love is so thorough I can feel like His favorite). We all comprise the Bride of Christ. That means we qualify for private intimacy with Jesus at the same time as being counted among the many. You're on stage as well as in the audience. It's just a matter of perspective.

I'm convinced God inserted these figures in the drama to remind us of His love for simple-minded followers, people who want to understand but don't exactly know how to get there. In many ways, that's me. My experience with the love of Christ is far from complete and sometimes I need a Shulamite to help me discover another puzzle piece. But the Song also highlights the role of evangelism. Maidens represent people who are "being saved," those who have yet to make a profession of faith. They too, are among the observers catching site of a love affair that's contagious. Without a doubt, they're watching you.

I wonder what it looks like from God's perspective? Hmmm... I bet it's beautiful.