YOU ARE SACRED

You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain. (Song of Songs 4:12)

Beloved, drink deeply of His Word this day and you will find everlasting comfort for all the days of your life! It is difficult to articulate the glorious truth of these few words, but if God will be gracious to me, I shall do just that.

This marriage language delivered by the Bridegroom to you, His bride, is magnificent. The idea of “a garden locked up” is a beautiful picture of the security we have in Christ. Locked up in the protection of the Lover of our souls, only He has the right to enter because He is our sole possessor. The idea of a spring enclosed is a reminder that we have been reborn for the King’s purpose and pleasure only. We are to be used at His discretion and for His complete devotion. The idea of a sealed fountain is a reminder to the world that our King has sealed us with His signet ring, making it clear that we are set apart for the use of our King and for His use alone. And that use is to be a fountain of the water of life—the living and active Word of God, which we are to declare with gentleness and joy to everyone we meet.

Because the Bridegroom has made you His bride, you are sacred; you are sanctified, set apart for His perfect purpose, His plan, and His pleasure. Your Lord has locked you up, eternally enclosed you, and supernaturally sealed you, separating you from the pollution and possession of the world. To be sure, you are still in this world, but you are not of this world. You should no longer feel at home in this world because you are a pilgrim who is passing through. You do not delight in the pleasures of this world, for you have been set apart for the pleasures of your Prince. You are to delight in Him; and as you do, you begin to realize that He has met the deepest desires of your heart.

The world has its gardens, springs, and fountains, but the world no longer has you. You have been bought with the precious blood of the Lamb, who pledged His life for your preservation. You have been shut up, sealed, and set apart to live the abundant life, a life marked by meaning, significance, and the purpose of living for the Lord God Omnipotent. That makes you sacred! You are no longer available for common use. The Temple had its sacred utensils to be used only for sacred purpose, and the church has you to be used for sacred purposes as well.

May this word encourage you today, regardless of where it finds you. From this moment forward, remember and repeat these words from the apostle Paul: “Let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). This passage tells you that being sacred does not make you immune from suffering. Because you are sacred, you will indeed suffer because of the One who made you sacred. But whatever suffering you face, know that it cannot compare to the glory that awaits you on the other side of the grave!

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!