Sometimes our heart knows what our lips cannot quite articulate.
There is a stirring inside that is of a nature not our own. An air of expectancy and restlessness. Anticipation, Heinz ketchup-style. An impatience born of a sense of something greater…
I think it’s not too far-fetched to compare such stirring to internally ‘pawing the ground,’ like horses waiting for the gun to go off so they can race like the wind, running for the highest prize.
But awareness of that stirring and understanding what it is all about is another element the Lord longs to introduce to His potential Bride.
Immediately after Shepherd Lover instructed the Shulamite to follow in the footsteps of the flock, He paid her a very powerful compliment:
“I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.” (SS 1:8)
Where she sensed the stirring, He saw the dormant spiritual potential within her. The two were undeniably linked. When spoken, this seemingly odd compliment revealed His intention to bring forth the very best from her. She understood what He meant; believing it was more difficult.
At the time, Pharaoh was the world’s greatest ruler. Commissioned by him, ones were sent forth to seek immature ponies that would be qualified to be hitched to his magnificent chariot. From among the many, the horses chosen to pull his chariot were prepared through a process of rigorous, progressive training and discipline. At special times, they were hitched to the king’s chariot. Then in a stunning display of beauty and unity, they would draw the king out into full view, arrayed in all his kingly glory.
With one penetrating statement, the Bridegroom began the process of grooming His Bride.
***
We live on the threshold of the day of our King being drawn forth in all His glory, beauty, and majesty. His Bride, in this earth, is likened by Him to that company of horses.
Just like Pharaoh’s immature ponies, it is our response to the enabling power of the Holy Spirit and submitting of self to the necessary process of qualification, that will result in our being prepared to be a part of that company. Scripture encourages us that all the intense training and discipline will be worth it:
And all discipline for the present indeed does not seem to be joyous, but grievous; but afterward it gives back peaceable fruit of righteousness to the ones having been exercised by it. (Hebrews 12:11 LITV)
We live, too, in the day that Isaiah prophesied was coming. A day when darkness would cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples (Isaiah 60:2). But it is not the darkness that will compel the King’s day of His manifestation and power. It is not the wicked and evil ways of men that will force His return.
The Light of life is not drawn to the darkness. He is drawn to His Bride, having been made clean and spotless, well prepared, and shining brightly in her dawning. Like the sunrise after the long, dark night, the Bride is going to arise clothed in her Bridegroom King’s glory.
The world will take notice. So will the Bridegroom.
***
Through the ages, many who have heard His call responded as the Shulamite did, with disbelief and a sense of unworthiness. Some chose then, and some now, to remain in that state. Yet, among us today are those who are progressively discovering that the Lord’s heart is the most tender and sensitive of all.
He is not a man schooled in pick-up lines. In fact, He is not a man that He should lie. His tender and sensitive heart is committed to bringing forth His highest and best from those who would believe Him and trust Him with their life.
The Lord’s heart is also intentional and focused. It’s what makes Him an excellent horse trainer…
He will have a prepared Bride. And His glory will be seen upon her. Just as a company of horses bringing forth her Bridegroom King in shared magnificence.
From the Groomer’s…
Gracefully Free
Shammahs Field LLC/Shammah Ministries is the biblical counseling, life coaching, and spiritual growth ministry entrusted to Wayne & Nancy Bentz. You can learn more about the resources they have to offer at www.shammahsfield.com.
Wow, beautifully said. May He continue to groom us as we seek to do His will.