Something beautiful is happening. In a humble and secluded corner of God’s Kingdom, a simple servant has been employed by the King of Israel to make some adornments for the Bride. Tirelessly working through the night and day, the metal worker labors in his craft to do his very best. He thinks back to yesterday, when Solomon came knocking on his door.

“It’s for my beautiful mare!” he said, grinning from ear to ear. The old man glanced at him, puzzled. But the king went on to explain more. He told him how brave and courageous his woman was, and how she came to be with him, risking her reputation by going near the shepherd camp.

“Like the detailed head harness and reins of my best horse,” Solomon said, “Her jewelry will reflect the delightfully complex person that she is.”  Then the King pulled out from his back several diagrams that he sketched up: Ornate filigree earrings of entwined gold and silver, and a neck chain made of tiny lilies. The craftsman was impressed. The King had put a lot of thought into this.

As the old man continued on with the task set before him, a small tear fell down his wrinkled cheek. Little did the King know that he had been thinking of closing shop. “What an honor,” he thought to himself, “To serve the King’s bride in my last days!“

❀∙❀∙❀∙❀∙❀∙❀∙❀ 

Next post: “The Ministry of Beautification” (Song 1:10)
… and the eternal significance of a thoughtful gift.