Christ's Unbreakable Love: Embracing Divine Hiddenness
Summary
In our ongoing series about loving and being loved by Jesus Christ, we explore the profound imagery of Christ as the heavenly bridegroom, emphasizing His unwavering love and commitment to His people. This love, stronger than any human relationship, is unbreakable, as affirmed in Romans 8, where nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Yet, many believers grapple with feeling distant from God, especially in times of need. This brings us to the Song of Solomon, a poetic love story that serves as a lens to understand the love of Christ for His church.
The Song of Solomon is more than a tale of human love; it symbolizes the love of a king for his bride, pointing to Christ's love for the church. In chapter 5, we encounter a dream sequence where the bride experiences a sense of separation from her beloved, the king. This dream reveals two key insights about ourselves: our inherent selfishness and vulnerability. The bride's reluctance to open the door to the king, despite his presence, mirrors our own self-absorption and unresponsiveness to Christ's love. Moreover, her vulnerability without the king's protection highlights our need for God's presence to shield us from the dark forces that seek to harm us.
We also learn two profound truths about God. First, God sometimes hides Himself from those He loves, a reality echoed in the experiences of biblical figures like Job and David. This hiddenness is not a sign of abandonment but an invitation to seek Him more earnestly. Second, God uses these times of perceived distance to ignite a new spiritual passion within us. The bride's dream, though distressing, ultimately deepens her love and appreciation for the king, illustrating how God can use such experiences to transform our hearts.
As we gather around the Lord's table, we are reminded of the ultimate act of love when God hid His face from His Son on the cross, accomplishing the greatest work of redemption. This moment of divine hiddenness was not a sign of forsakenness but the means through which God's everlasting love was poured out for us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Unbreakable Love of Christ: Christ's love for us is stronger than any human relationship, as nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance should anchor us, especially when we feel distant from Him. [01:02]
- Selfishness and Vulnerability: The dream in Song of Solomon reveals our selfishness and vulnerability without God's presence. Recognizing these traits should lead us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. [19:25]
- God's Hiddenness: Sometimes God hides Himself from those He loves, not as a sign of abandonment but as an invitation to seek Him more earnestly. This experience is common among believers and serves to deepen our faith. [23:22]
- Igniting Spiritual Passion: God can use times of perceived distance to ignite a new spiritual passion within us. These experiences can transform our hearts and deepen our love for Him. [31:13]
- The Cross and Divine Hiddenness: The greatest work of redemption occurred when God hid His face from His Son on the cross. This act of divine hiddenness was the means through which God's love was poured out for us. [35:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Christ as the Heavenly Bridegroom
- [01:02] - The Unbreakable Love of Christ
- [01:21] - Feeling Distant from God
- [02:13] - Introduction to Song of Solomon
- [03:14] - The Love Story of a King
- [04:08] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
- [05:03] - The Poetic Form of Song of Solomon
- [06:07] - The Bride's Dream
- [07:28] - The King's Knock
- [09:23] - The Bride's Selfishness
- [11:02] - The Dream's Nightmare Turn
- [13:13] - The Bride's Vulnerability
- [15:06] - Lessons from the Dream
- [19:25] - Our Selfishness and Vulnerability
- [23:22] - God's Hiddenness
- [31:13] - Igniting Spiritual Passion
- [35:21] - The Cross and Divine Hiddenness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:38-39
2. Song of Solomon 5:2-8
3. Isaiah 45:15
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 8:38-39, what assurances are given about the love of God in Christ Jesus? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the unbreakable love of Christ? [01:02]
2. Describe the dream sequence in Song of Solomon 5:2-8. What are the key elements of the bride's experience, and how do they reflect her relationship with the king? [06:07]
3. According to Isaiah 45:15, how is God described, and how does this description relate to the sermon’s discussion on God’s hiddenness? [23:41]
4. What are the two key insights about ourselves that the bride's dream in Song of Solomon reveals, as discussed in the sermon? [15:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance in Romans 8:38-39 about the inseparability from God's love provide comfort to believers who feel distant from God? [01:21]
2. In what ways does the bride's reluctance to open the door in Song of Solomon 5:2-8 mirror our own spiritual unresponsiveness? How does this reflect our selfishness? [09:23]
3. Why might God choose to hide Himself from those He loves, according to the sermon and Isaiah 45:15? What purpose does this serve in a believer's life? [23:22]
4. How can the experience of perceived distance from God ignite a new spiritual passion, as illustrated by the bride's dream in Song of Solomon? [31:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to seek Him more earnestly in similar situations? [01:37]
2. The sermon highlights our inherent selfishness. Identify an area in your life where you might be prioritizing your own comfort over responding to Christ's love. What changes can you make to address this? [17:30]
3. Consider the concept of God’s hiddenness. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God during times when He seems distant? What practices might help you remain faithful during these periods? [23:58]
4. The sermon suggests that God uses times of perceived distance to ignite spiritual passion. How can you remain open to transformation during such times? What specific actions can you take to nurture this passion? [31:13]
5. Reflect on the ultimate act of love at the cross, where God hid His face from His Son. How does this understanding of divine hiddenness impact your view of God’s love and your relationship with Him? [35:21]
6. In what ways can you remind yourself of the unbreakable love of Christ in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or feelings of separation? [01:02]
7. How can you actively seek to deepen your relationship with Christ, recognizing your vulnerability without His presence? What specific steps will you take this week to draw closer to Him? [19:25]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unbreakable Bond of Christ's Love
Christ's love for His people is depicted as stronger than any human relationship, an unbreakable bond that nothing can sever. This assurance is rooted in the promise found in Romans 8, where it is declared that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Despite this, many believers experience feelings of distance from God, especially during challenging times. This perceived distance is not a reflection of Christ's love diminishing but rather an opportunity to deepen one's faith and reliance on His unwavering commitment. The imagery of Christ as the heavenly bridegroom serves as a powerful reminder of His eternal love and dedication to His church. [01:02]
Isaiah 54:10 (ESV): "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Reflection: In what ways can you anchor yourself in the assurance of Christ's unbreakable love, especially when you feel distant from Him?
Day 2: Recognizing Our Selfishness and Vulnerability
The dream sequence in the Song of Solomon reveals the bride's reluctance to open the door to her beloved, highlighting her selfishness and vulnerability. This mirrors our own tendencies to be self-absorbed and unresponsive to Christ's love. Without God's presence, we are left vulnerable to the dark forces that seek to harm us. Recognizing these traits within ourselves should lead us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, acknowledging our need for His protection and guidance. The dream serves as a poignant reminder of our inherent weaknesses and the importance of remaining open to God's love and presence. [19:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you have been self-reliant. How can you invite Christ into this area to guide and protect you?
Day 3: Embracing God's Hiddenness
There are times when God seems to hide Himself from those He loves, a concept echoed in the experiences of biblical figures like Job and David. This hiddenness is not a sign of abandonment but an invitation to seek Him more earnestly. It is a common experience among believers and serves to deepen one's faith and reliance on God. During these times, believers are encouraged to pursue a more profound relationship with God, trusting that His hiddenness is a call to draw closer to Him. This understanding can transform moments of perceived distance into opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal. [23:22]
Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV): "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?"
Reflection: When have you felt that God was hidden from you? How can you use this experience to seek Him more earnestly today?
Day 4: Igniting a New Spiritual Passion
God can use times of perceived distance to ignite a new spiritual passion within believers. The bride's dream in the Song of Solomon, though distressing, ultimately deepens her love and appreciation for the king. Similarly, God can use such experiences to transform our hearts and deepen our love for Him. These moments of spiritual renewal are opportunities to rekindle one's faith and commitment to God, allowing His love to inspire a renewed sense of purpose and devotion. Embracing these experiences can lead to a more vibrant and passionate relationship with Christ. [31:13]
Hosea 6:1-2 (ESV): "Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did this experience ignite a new passion for your spiritual journey?
Day 5: The Cross and Divine Hiddenness
The greatest work of redemption occurred when God hid His face from His Son on the cross. This act of divine hiddenness was not a sign of forsakenness but the means through which God's everlasting love was poured out for humanity. As believers gather around the Lord's table, they are reminded of this ultimate act of love and the profound mystery of divine hiddenness. It is through this moment of hiddenness that the fullness of God's love and redemption is revealed, offering believers a deeper understanding of His sacrificial love and commitment to their salvation. [35:21]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does the understanding of divine hiddenness on the cross deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice and love for you?
Quotes
we're continuing our series that's about loving and being loved by Jesus Christ we began by seeing that Christ presents himself to his people as the heavenly bridegroom a very wonderful image that clearly communicates the love and the commitment that Jesus Christ has towards all of his people we saw last time the strength of Christ's love [00:00:05]
we read in Romans in chapter 8 that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord now that's what we've been focused on together and it does raise an obvious question that may come to the mind of any Christian believer and the question is simply this, I read all this in the scripture about the strength of Christ's love for me [00:01:05]
I read the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ so why is it then that as a child of God I have known what it is to feel that I cannot find him at precisely the time when I feel that I need him most, why is it that God sometimes seemed so very far away when he has promised his presence to me so very very clearly [00:01:37]
the Song of Solomon therefore has a very great deal to say to us about love about intimacy about the fact that the course of human love the path of human love rarely runs smoothly but there is of course a larger reason why the book of Song of Solomon is in the Bible and we get to that by the simple observation that this is more than a story of the love for a man for a woman [00:03:00]
it is particularly about the love of a king for his bride, it is the Song of Solomon and Solomon of course was the king of Israel and it is the story if you read the book as a whole it is the story of the king coming to claim and to win his bride now the whole story of course therefore points us forward in its place within the Bible as a whole to Jesus Christ [00:03:33]
we're looking today at a story in the Bible a love story that is about a king who loves his bride and we're going to use that story as a kind of lens through which to look at the experience of the Christian believer and to learn something very important and indeed very beautiful about the love of Christ for us [00:04:26]
I want to suggest you very simply that from the stream we learn two things about ourselves and two very wonderful things about God two things that we learn about ourselves can be summed up in two simple words here's the first selfish we are very very selfish surely this is the first thing that the bride herself would have taken from her own dream [00:15:09]
put yourself in her shoes what would you be thinking the next morning would I really have left the King outside standing in the rain because it didn't suit me to get up and open the door, am I really that selfish am I that woman in the dream is that really what I'm like aw Tozer makes this very powerful comment in one of his books [00:15:40]
present-day evangelical Christianity is not producing scenes a very striking comment and you look around the church you don't see a lot of people who are just so notably godly why is it he says that present-day evangelicalism is not producing since here's his answer because God is valued as being useful and Christ appreciated because of the predicaments he gets us out of [00:16:02]
we profess as believers to love God but we are often very unresponsive towards him our professed love for God is shot through with all kinds of selfishness just like in the bride's dream it would cause a person to wake up and see him I am really that selfish that I would be so unresponsive to the person that I profess to love [00:17:01]
sometimes God hides himself from the people he loves now this is very important to understand because it will be part of your experience as a Christian that sometimes God hides himself from the people he loves and I take that particularly from Isaiah chapter 45 and verse 15 what it stated most succinctly Isaiah the prophet says truly you are a God who hides yourself [00:23:11]
God can therefore use the times when he seems far away to ignite a new spiritual passion in your life God can use the times when he seems far away to ignite a new spiritual passion in your life think about the outcome of this dream think about the bride try and put yourself in this last moment once more into her shoes as it were [00:30:58]
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