Bought With a Price
“I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariot” (S of S. 1:9).
A careful analysis of the above Scripture reveals our individual responsibility toward a collective body. No doubt, Solomon penned these words as he recalled his purchase from Egypt’s king, “An horse for 150 shekels of silver” (2 Chron. 1:16-17). The horses that were once the possession of Pharaoh had become the favoured objects of Israel’s greatest king; he had paid the price.
Man by nature and by practice is radically corrupted and irretrievably doomed; yet, God in His sovereign mercy and grace has paid the redemption price, “Not with corruptible things such as silver and gold—but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The sinner once opprobriously held by Satan for the fulfilment of his nefarious plans, through precious blood becomes the purchased possession of the heavenly Solomon Who is over all, blessed forever.
Potentates and men of authority in days of old took special delight in possessing horses that were swift and beautiful. We who were once swift to shed blood should, in our new environment, be swift to do the service of the King of Kings Who loved us even unto death. In order to be acceptable in God’s presence, let us adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and be conformed more to the image of Christ Who is altogether lovely, the Chiefest among ten thousands.
A company of well trained horses exhibit the attractive characteristics of precision and unity. As they go along, their hoofs produce a steady beat. In Nehemiah’s day the people were in step, for all gathered themselves as one man into the street to hear the Word of God (Neh. 8:1). In Acts chapter 1:14, we have a similar display of unity, the people gathered themselves with one accord in prayer and supplication, and in Acts chapter 4:24, they praised God with one accord. Such unity is not without fruit, “For the multitude that believed were of one heart, and of one soul” (V. 32).
May we then give joy to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, by manifesting in our practical lives that principle of godliness, UNITY.
“God will use empty and clean vessels, so let us empty ourselves of self and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse us, then obey the command “Be filled with the Spirit” and we will be useful in God’s holy service.