Confessing Our Love
The sermon emphasizes the Church's need to seek and confess her love for Jesus, who is near and awaits her response.
A.W. Tozer reflects on the profound love depicted in the Song of Solomon, illustrating the relationship between the beautiful young woman and her shepherd, which symbolizes the love of Christ for His Church. Despite being courted by a king, she remains loyal to her shepherd, representing the choice to seek true love over worldly allure. When she initially turns him away, her heart is troubled, leading her to search for him, ultimately confessing her love when she finds him. This narrative serves as a reminder of Christ's nearness and the importance of seeking Him with our whole hearts, as He longs for our love and devotion.
Text
Consider with me the appealing Old Testament story of the beautiful young woman in the Song of Solomon. Deeply in love with the young shepherd, she is also actively sought out by the king, who demands her favor. She remains loyal to the simple shepherd, who gathers lilies and comes to seek her and calls to her through the lattice. In many ways, this is a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus, of His love and care for His Bride, the Church. In the scriptural account, she does turn her loved one away with simple excuses.
But condemned in heart, she rises to go out and search for him.
As she seeks, she is asked: "What is he above others that you should seek him?" "Oh, he is altogether lovely," she replies. "He came and called for me, and I had not the heart to go!" But at last she is able to confess, "I have found him whom my soul loveth!" He had been grieved but He was not far away. So it is with our Beloved-He is very near to us and He awaits our seeking!
Sermon Outline
- The Beautiful Picture of Jesus
- The Church's Response to Jesus
- The Church's Confession of Love
- Recognizing Jesus' Loveliness
- Overcoming Excuses to Seek Jesus
Key Quotes
“He had been grieved but He was not far away.” — A.W. Tozer
“He came and called for me, and I had not the heart to go!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must seek and search for Jesus, who is near and awaits our response.
- Our initial excuses and rejections of Jesus must be overcome to find Him.
- Confessing our love for Jesus is essential to deepening our relationship with Him.