MY BELOVED IS MINE, AND I AM HIS

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 27

 

Song of Solomon 2:16

My beloved is mine, and I am his:

he feedeth among the lilies.

 
This is the language of holy assurance.
 
Christ is given by the Father to sinners;
    his is God’s unspeakable gift.
 
He is presented in the gospel to every one who hears or reads it,
    without money and without price.
 
He is accepted and received by faith.
 
The reception of Christ is ratified by solemn engagements,
   the party engages to be his, and his alone.
 
It is confirmed by holy fellowship.
 
He that claims Christ, lives in communion with him.
 
“My beloved is to me,” the Saviour in whom I believe and trust
   —the husband whom I reverence and love
   —the Lord whom I adore and obey
   —the portion on which I live
   —and the beloved One upon whom my heart
and affections are set.
 
“I am my beloved’s.”
 
He chose me, or I had never chosen him.
 
He redeemed me, or I had still been a slave.
 
He called me, or I had still been wandering from God.
 
He sanctified me, or I had still been vile and polluted.
 
He manifested himself to me, or I had never seen his glory.
 
“I am to my beloved” his sister-spouse
   —his portion
   —his delight
   —his choice out of all worlds
   —his glorious crown, out of the spoils he has won.
 

Jesus my live, my life, my peace,

Jesus is mine, and I am his;

His bride, his dear bought property,

Who lov’d and gave himself for me.

 
James Smith