His Banner Over Me
Greetings, Precious Family. May the Peace of the Lord be with you always.
Family, as I have studied the history behind the Rose of Sharon, I have been captivated by the literal Rose of Sharon as a flower and the figurative Rose of Sharon as a Savior.
As a literal flower or bush the Rose of Sharon is a beautiful plant. Biblically, the Plain of Sharon is the central section of the Israeli coastal plain, stretching south from Mount Carmel to the Yarkon River (near Tel Aviv). Historically recognized for its ancient oak forests, the region has transformed into Israel’s most densely populated and agriculturally rich area.
As I reflected on the Rose of Sharon, I found myself drawn not only to the flower and the land where it grows, but also to the way Scripture uses love, beauty, and invitation as images that point my heart toward Christ.
The Song of Solomon is a beautiful dance of love, a love that is not rushed, but unfolds with honor, covenant, timing, and grace.
Here is a brief excerpt from Chapter 2:
Song of Songs 2:1-4
New International VersionShe[a]
I am a rose[b] of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.
He2 Like a lily among thorns
is my darling among the young women.
She3 Like an apple[c] tree among the trees of the forest
is my beloved among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
The Invitation
Family, I know that my connection may not be a common one that is traditionally made, but please give me the grace of making this connection of the invitation and seating placement at the banquet. In the Song of Solomon 2:4 the writer guides other women who may be reading her instructions.
4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
In the 14th Chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus has been invited to a wedding banquet at a Pharisees home. He notices that certain people are fighting to sit at prominent seats of recognition. In verses 7-11, Jesus gives this instruction:
Luke 14:7-11
New International Version7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:
8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.
9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.
11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Family, what do I hear when I read these passages? WAIT ON THE LORD!!
Get to know the Lover of your Soul. Take your time in knowing what pleases the Lord. God desires relationship above all else. Every day with Jesus is sweeter and sweeter. Enjoy the journey.
Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father,
Tonight, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for being the Lover of our souls, the One who invites us into a relationship that is deeper than words and sweeter than we can fully comprehend.
Lord, as we reflect on the beauty of the Rose of Sharon, remind us that Your love is not rushed. Just as a flower blooms in its appointed season, teach us to trust Your timing in our lives. Help us to stop striving, stop comparing, and stop running ahead of You. Give us the grace to wait patiently and confidently for Your leading.
Father, when we are tempted to seek recognition, remind us to choose humility. When we are tempted to rush the process, remind us that relationship is more important than arrival. Teach us to take the seat You have prepared for us and trust that You know exactly when it is time to call us higher.
Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to Your banquet table. Thank You that Your banner over us is love. Thank You that we do not have to earn our place in Your presence, but are welcomed by Your grace. May we never become so busy pursuing blessings that we neglect the Blesser. May we never become so focused on the destination that we forget to enjoy walking with You along the way.
Help us to know You more deeply each day. Let our hearts remain tender, teachable, and full of wonder. Give us eyes to see Your beauty, ears to hear Your voice, and hearts that delight in Your presence.
And as we continue this sacred journey, may we remember that every day with You is sweeter than the day before. Teach us to enjoy the journey, trust the process, and rest in the assurance that You are leading us exactly where we need to be.
In the precious name of Jesus, our Beloved Friend and Savior, we pray. Amen, Amen and Amen.
Worship Video of the Day
Rev. Marcia Davis, BA, MA
Covington, GA (USA)
Sacred Journey Devotionals - Where Christianity and Metaphysics Meet 