How can "altogether desirable" inspire our view of Christ's love for us? Opening the Text Song of Solomon 5:16: “His mouth is sweetness itself; He is altogether desirable. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” Taking the Verse Literally—and Seeing Its Greater Fulfillment - The poem speaks of a real bride delighting in her bridegroom. - By God’s design, marriage mirrors the covenant bond between Christ and His people (Ephesians 5:31-32). - Every perfection the bride celebrates in Solomon finds its ultimate and flawless expression in Jesus, the true Bridegroom. What “Altogether Desirable” Really Says “Altogether” (ḥāwā) + “desirable” (maḥmād): - A totality word—nothing lacking, nothing out of place. - More than attractive; He is the very definition of desirability. - Sweetness, beauty, honor, power, tenderness—all gathered into one Person. How This Shapes Our View of Christ’s Love • Lover beyond comparison • Colossians 1:18-19—“in Him all fullness dwells.” • Every attribute that draws our hearts is present in highest measure. • Completeness that calms every fear • Hebrews 1:3—“He is the radiance of God’s glory.” • No deficiency means no disappointment for those who rest in Him. • Sweetness that satisfies the soul • Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” • His love meets both deepest guilt and deepest longing. • Worth that demands worship • Revelation 5:12—“Worthy is the Lamb… to receive power and riches and wisdom.” • Adoring Christ is the natural response to recognizing His unmatched desirability. • Friendship that draws us near • John 15:15—“I have called you friends.” • The one who is infinitely exalted also walks with us in intimate fellowship. Scripture Echoes of the Altogether Desirable Christ - Isaiah 33:17—“Your eyes will see the King in His beauty.” - Matthew 17:5—“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” - 1 Peter 2:7—“To you who believe, He is precious.” - Ephesians 3:18-19—Christ’s love surpasses knowledge, filling us with all God’s fullness. - John 1:14—“We beheld His glory… full of grace and truth.” Living in the Light of His Desirability - Contemplate His person: read the Gospels, linger over His words, watch His works. - Respond with adoration: sing, speak, write words that magnify Him. - Trust His heart: the One who is “altogether desirable” will never fail or forsake. - Obey His commands: love expressed in action (John 14:15). - Share His beauty: invite others to “come and see” the Savior who is altogether desirable. |
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