Mbostrom2's Blog

Watchman Nee, “Within the inner chamber the Shulamite has come to see three things: first,  she is black in Adam and comely in Christ; second, by reason of the Lord’s dealings with her she realizes the vanity of her former fleshly and external works of service; third, she recognizes her need for spiritual food and rest. At this instant, therefore, the King responds to her diligent seeking, commends her, and gives her a promise.

KING’S REPLY, Songs 1:8, If you do not know, O fairest among women, follow in the footsteps of the flock, and feed your little goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

O fairest among women (NKJV); Listen, my radiant one— (TPT); loveliest of all women (MSG). First the King answers with kindness for not knowing, not rebuke. Jesus never turns away a seeker. He is wooing her, calling her the ‘most beautiful’. It is amazing how displeased we can be with ourselves, and yet be beautiful to Him.

This 3-fold answer touches the 3 main temptations to pull away

1. “Follow in the footsteps of the flock”
   1. The King is asking her to make a commitment to serve, minister to others
   2. Footsteps are symbolic of experiences, find someone who has already gone through this dry empty season
   3. We have to absolutely refuse isolation, that is where depression and suicidal thoughts set in. We need to be with strong believers. God’s way of healing is through the Body of Christ. Every part of the Body is needed and important.
   4. Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 24:10
2. “Feed your little goats”
   1. This is a commitment to servant ministry in our daily lives
   2. Refuse unsanctified idleness (such as sitting on the coach flipping channels)
   3. We each have a responsibility to our family and the young ones that God puts before us.
3. “Beside the Shepherd’s tents”
   1. This is a commitment to be under spiritual authority
   2. Refuse unsanctified independence – find a good prayer group, Bible Study Group.
      1. One of the best groups I have found is BSF (BSFInternational.org. They have ladies groups, men’s groups, children’s groups and they are studying the same thing all over the world. Right now they are studying The Acts of the Apostles.
   3. Find a good Word-teaching Church and submit to spiritual authority, not such as the Shepherd movement back in the 70’s. Follow the Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Spiritual Mentor as they follow Christ.
   4. Don’t be afraid of being hurt or wounded again. People will always hurt you. Jesus has a plan for you and he wants you to grow strong and healthy.