“Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of beads.” – Song of Songs 1:10

We’ve been eaves dropping on a bit of romance these days on SoSSaturday. We are listening in as the Shepherd King describes His maiden fair. Last week we heard Him tell her of how He loved her cheeks as they expressed the depth of her emotion and passion for Him.

Today we overhear His musings about her neck.

So how is it with our maiden? Anytime He is in the room, she turns to see Him, to look Him over, to see what He is doing and who He’s talking to.

Her neck turns like a compass facing her ever North.

Additionally, her neck reveals her extream vulnerability. Exposing your neck to another is a sign of trust and submission. I trust you not to exploit this weekness, and I submit to your will and ability to rule me.

There is a phrase used in the older translations of the Bible, which means obstinate and self willed, “stiff-necked.” It is a neck that is unbending, immovable, unyielding.

So, you see, her neck speaks of her will and submission.

When Jesus looks at us, He considers our neck.

How is your neck? Are you quick to turn toward the sound of His voice? Are you moved by His call on your life? Do you drop those things that would offend Him when your conscience whispers “No”?

Or does Jesus have to battle to get your attention? Are you slow to turn from your own way? Does your heart cry out the anti-Gethsemane prayer – Not Your will but mine!

There is another lesson in the neck though.

Victory is in the turning.

Often, when we Christians do our spiritual accounting, we only count victory as having complete dominance over a sin. I am only victorious in a battle with sin when I no longer even think of committing it.

This could not be further from the truth.

Every turn of our head toward Him pleases God. He knows the path we must walk. He understands the weakness of our flesh.

Hey–He throws a party the day you decide to follow Him–at your very first turning. And every turn you make in submission to Him, even a small turn, pleases Him.

He knows you are struggling with that something today. He sees your desire for freedom. He’s atuned to your desire to follow Him in this area of struggle and temptation. He cheers for you! He hurts with you when you fall and fail, and is there to draw you back once again.

Don’t give up in your struggles to live godly. I promise He has not given up on you.

Hope that helps

See you next week.

Ben