Jan 16 2020
Did you know there is a “mark” for the people of God? Ezekiel 9 and Revelation 7 are a couple places that speak of it. It is not the “mark of the beast,” or the “mark of Cain,” but a mark of identification with Christ. It is the reproaches of Christ Himself, by which He bore loss, rejection, ridicule, and misunderstandings.
The Shulamite woman in the Song of Songs was a “marked” woman as well. What little information she does reveal is intentional. Consider the following points:
Permanent link to this article: https://intimatekingdom.com/gods-stigma-dark-secret-2/
Jan 14 2020
I believe we can assume self-consciousness was a temptation for the Shulamite at some point in her life, perhaps as soon as she came out of the chamber room of the King for the first time.
It’s not that Solomon made her feel that way. In his gaze she felt vulnerable, yes, but loved. He was ever so kind in how he dealt with her. A “consummate gentleman,” as the old saying goes. :-)
Rather, as soon as she came out of the King’s chamber she found herself suddenly under the judging eyes of her very own friends. At first they seemed to be encouraging to her, but now they are finding fault with her suntanned skin, which was an undesirable trait in those days. It was most likely because it looked even darker now, in contrast to the “glow” she was wearing on her face from being in the Beloved’s bed!
How did she respond to her friends? What can we learn?
Permanent link to this article: https://intimatekingdom.com/being-gazed-upon-2/
Dec 19 2013
Jay Ferris had a striking analogy that was not always understood at first, saying,“The Kingdom of God is like a drop dead gorgeous woman who walks into a room full of women – gender neutral.”
A poignant image considering there was 140+ women in King Solomon’s life when in relationship to the Shulamite.
Permanent link to this article: https://intimatekingdom.com/beautiful-obscurity/
Dec 12 2013
Those who have “the mark” know that it is deeply painful, deeply personal, and one of the most profound honors imaginable. The Shulamite woman in the Song of Songs was one such woman. What little information she does reveal is very intentional. Consider the following:
Permanent link to this article: https://intimatekingdom.com/gods-stigma/
Dec 09 2013
I am black, and lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem…Don’t see me only as dark, because the sun has looked upon me this way. My brother’s burned in anger with me; they made me guard the vineyards; but I have not guarded my own. Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where do you go to feed your flocks? Why should I be as one that is veiled by the flocks of your companions? ~Song 1:5-7
Permanent link to this article: https://intimatekingdom.com/gazed-upon/
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