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The “Intimate Kingdom" is a site focused on the role the Song of Songs plays in the Kingdom of God, and one's personal relationship with Christ and His body. (apart from the religion of "churchianity") Take a look around. If you like what you read so far - feel free to download the free eBook, and then subscribe to get new posts.

Recent Song of Songs Posts Below

More on Nard – That Explains a Lot!

Caravaggio - The Crowning with Thorns, 1603

When the woman poured the alabaster box of nard (or spikenard) on Jesus, before His death, there was something else going on behind the scenes. And once “smelled” in the Spirit — It explains in no uncertain terms how Jesus could endure all the suffering that He did.

So with that brief intro, I really hope you will listen to this powerful audio that shares a certain detail in this story that will bless your socks off, (and hopefully more!) and bring a sweeter depth to your relationship to the living Christ.

It’s by Jay Ferris, only 6 minutes long, and clipped out from a longer conference talk. En-JOY!

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Spikenard – The Overflow of Love (Song 1:12) 

Pic of Spikenard Flowers and Root

While the king is reclining,⁠1 my spikenard spreads forth its fragrance. – Song 1:12

It’s a humbling awareness, for a humble soul, that one smells good, and someone is drawn to you for that reason. Sometimes one even forgets they are wearing perfume! Have you ever had that happen? You put on a fragrance in the morning, and get so used to the smell that you completely forget about it during the day? That is, until someone later on comments that you smell good!

Jesus is our mirror, and His smile will reflect back to us and tell us that our faith and works of love are pleasing to Him. When in the divine presence of God, we may on one hand be aware of our stench. But that is not what she says. This is important. I feel a sense of despair whenever I hear God’s children talk about how wretched they are. This is not the result of love’s transformation! Love makes us clean, and gives us the perfume of spikenard to wear. Not to cover our stench, but to delight our Beloved, Jesus, and draw all people to Him!

Are we ashamed of this, our smell? Paul makes it sound like it’s a great honor:

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An Odoriferous Intro to Song 1:12-14

Pic of girl smelling a flower

A sweet thing happened when the Shulamite followed the King’s instructions. And an unexpected thing, when she went on that brave journey to find him. What else, but that she got gushed over! And adorned with thoughtful gifts!

But that’s just like Jesus, is it not, from your experience? He sees all the brave little …

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The Ministry of Beautification (Song 1:10)

Pic of White Horse w/Ornate Silver Halter

In a discussion of differences between men and women, I once heard a comical depiction of men and a “cave” that they sometimes emotionally and mentally retreat into. There is apparently nothing in this cave, which is exactly how they like it, and  a women especially isn’t allowed, (although they try) because if she did get in, she would take one look around and begin decorating it with pictures, rugs, and curtains! :-)

Women generally do love to decorate, whether it’s their homes, their men, or themselves. I used to think it was a natural feminine trait, but I’m rethinking this, knowing more than ever that deep in the heart of the woman, i.e. the Bride of Christ, there is a desire more powerful than to decorate.  It is to be decorated.

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