Titus 2:11-15

Looking for Jesus without anxiety

The Song of Solomon speaks of the first and second coming of the Lord Jesus. It is written in poetic language. Jewish boys under 13 were not allowed to read it. But it tells a story. King Solomon had a vineyard in Baal-hamon (Song of Solomon 8:11). In those days, a landlord went to collect rent once a year. Solomon and his courtiers went to collect rent and he spotted the most beautiful Shulamite lady. He wanted her to love him because of who he was. He went away. He laid aside his royal splendour and took on clothes of a shepherd. He and the Shulamite woman met regularly. He courted her. Several times he went dressed as a shepherd to woe this young lady. They fell in love. There came a day when a special carriage of gold, lined with cloth, was prepared for the king’s wedding day. Imagine that feeling when the king came for his bride. So this love story was developed.

We know about the first Advent of the Lord Jesus. This story fits in with that. The king went looking for his bride. Now, we live in courtship times. Jesus came as the good shepherd looking for you and I. He came in disguise, just as King Solomon came in disguise (Philippians 2). He came to get a bride. You are part of that story when you come for the Lord Jesus.

We get our weddings all wrong. The bridegroom comes first and waits for the bride. Biblically, the bride should be there first. The Lord Jesus went through the heart of Calvary so you and I could become part of His bride.

How does the bridegroom come? Jesus comes as a bridegroom, not as a judge. He has forgotten our sins. He is coming as a bridegroom. That’s a relief! Christians won’t stand before the great judgement seat of God, but we will be tested. The test is only a test. God will look for the best in us, He wants to reward us. Salvation is a gift, rewards are earned, a future attainment.

What do we do in this courtship time? The Shulamite girl was questioned what her love was like. She testified how wonderful he was. We need to testify about Him. Just tell people what God means to you, how precious He is and how going to Christ is so important.

How will Jesus come? The same way as He went (Acts 2). He will so come in like manner in the clouds. Matthew states, ‘Something greater than Solomon is here’ (Matthew 12:42). We look for His glorious appearance. We have an amazing blessed hope. ‘We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’ (Hebrews 6:19-20). Jesus had gone into heaven itself. He has gone first. We are secured. Look forward!