Bible Reading: The Song of Solomon 5:1-16
“I have put off my coat: how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet: how shall I defile them?” – Song of Solomon 5:3 (KJV).
The Shulamite woman’s response represents Israel’s attitude towards the advances that God made to them during the era of kings. They were so sluggish and reluctant in their response to the worship of God. Although God was so patient with them, they wearied him with their poor attitude and Lukewarmness towards him. This is a good picture of this present generation and picture of the church in backslidden and lukewarm stage. It also applies to individuals who are often reluctant and cold towards the appeals of God’s word and the dealings of the Holy Spirit.
How often we delay obedience, procrastinate our commitment and drag our feet towards God and the kingdom business. We look for funny excuses to disobey God where there are several reasons for prompt obedience. How often Christians look for reasons to avoid church attendance, how often believers sacrifice bible study classes or prayer meetings for premier leagues or sporting events. We give frenzy excuses for not committing to kingdom service. One often hear believers give excuses that their clothes are rumpled since there is no light to iron them, and that becomes their excuse for their absence from service or that they had visitors. All such reasons show that one is in a backslidden stage. The priest and the scribe could not help the victim attacked by robbers on his way to Jericho on the ground that they will be ceremonially defiled seeing; they were on their way to the temple. They simply evaded the kingdom service on the excuse that they will be defiled if they touch the man. What a good example of the Shulamite woman that gave the excuse that she has washed her feet and so cannot move out to respond to the knock in order not to defile her feet.
Religion can only wash but only a relationship with God can guarantee cleansing.
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to look for excuses but to find reasons to obey you.
Rev. Vincent Diolu