The Song of Solomon introduced us to the bridal paradigm of the body of Christ. There have been many different emphasis on the identity and role of Christians generally but it appears that this is not an identity many are familiar with. The Shulamite began by declaring, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth”. This is a language of hunger and intimacy. Most Christians do not even grow or mature to this level of hunger throughout their Christian lives. It takes a divine dissatisfaction to produce a true hunger for God in our hearts, where we are not satisfied with a “general” relationship with God but we long for a “personal” relationship (just as one cannot kiss more than a person at one time). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, evidencing His grace, as He works to produce a divine dissatisfaction in our hearts. Saints of old refer to this process as an “awakening” process. A life without any true hunger and desire for a personal and intimate relationship with God is akin to “dead” or “asleep”. It is both a hunger for God in an intimate manner as well as one that is dependent in nature, Jesus Himself being our sole sustenance. The Shulamite gave the reason for such hunger, “For your love is better than wine”. She has tasted and experienced the love and it caused her to long for more. The love of God is more delightful than wine (any other blessings or pleasures in life).
Awaken my heart;
To love and adore You O my God;
Awaken my heart;
To pour out before You O my God;
Awaken my heart;
To know Your love and to love You in return;
Freely flowing from an awakened heart.
Song of Solomon 1:2, Ephesians 5:14