This cheating and deluding scene
by Henry Law from the Song of Solomon 1879 Song of Solomon
8-5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her
beloved? A form is seen coming up from
the wilderness, but not alone, not unsupported. There is another
form near the first, and on him all weight is laid. The truth
is clear. We see the Christian deriving
support from his Lord. They proceed together along a
path leading up from the wilderness. The believer is called to leave
all for Christ, to come out from a fallen and polluted world,
to shun its pleasures, to turn from its smiles, to disregard
its frowns, to close its ear to its enticing voice, to reject
its fascinating cup, to trample on its principles and maxims,
to feel that the world in its every aspect is opposed to Christ. Such views are the true teachings
of the Spirit. The believer, a pupil in this
school, arises and departs. But there is no profit in what
he abandons. The world, when truly seen, is
a waste wilderness. It is no fair Garden of Eden,
fragrant with beauteous flowers. It is no vineyard, in which grapes
hang down in luxuriant clusters. It is no peaceful meadow, free
from incursions of devouring beasts. It is no lovely grove,
in which the melody of cheerful birds delights the ear. It is
no pleasant path, in which surrounding prospects give enchanting views. It is a desert, wild, dismal,
and unsatisfying. Here no manor falls, and no refreshing
streams trickle by the side. Its food is poison, to taste
is to imbibe death. What is its produce? Thorns,
thistles, briars. It yields no nurture but disappointment,
misery, and woe. It is an enemy's land, beset
with perils and encompassed with malignant foes. The believer
is called to come up from this cheating and deluding scene. But how can the Christian obey?
He is weak and powerless in himself. But a mighty arm is near. Jesus says, do not fear, for
I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you. I will
help you. I will hold onto you with my
righteous right hand. He extends the arm of his omnipotence
and cries, come. Lean on me. As without Jesus
the first step cannot be taken, so without him advance cannot
be made. But he is ever near, willing,
and able. The heavenward path is a steep
ascent. It requires strong limbs to climb. But leaning on Jesus, the upward
race may be run without loitering. The path also through life's
course is slippery. Our feet are liable to slip.
Snares and pitfalls are before us. Our feet are liable to stumble. But leaning on Him, we are upheld
and safely guided. Thus, let us pass through life
leaning on our Beloved. Let us lean on him as we pass
through the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and staff will
surely comfort us. Let us enter heaven leaning on
the same arm. Who is this coming up from the
wilderness, leaning on her beloved?