As I wrap up Jeremiah this morning, it’s God’s anger and God’s kindness that leaves an after taste. His anger poured out as He directs Babylon to raze Jerusalem because of the depths of Judah’s rebellion. And yet His kindness foreshadowed as a defeated monarch is “graciously freed”, kindly spoken to, and given “a seat above the seats” of other conquered kings (Jer. 52:31-34) — a type of “firstfruits” of those in captivity according to Jeremiah’s prophetic promise of restoration and blessing.

My reading in John left another after taste — the after taste of feeding on the flesh and of drinking the blood of the Son of Man (Jn. 6:53-56). At first, not the most appetizing meal to imagine, but for those who know what it is to abide in Him and He in us, a sweet feast of love divine. A forever feast. Manna beyond measure, “the true bread from heaven” (Jn. 6:32b).

Then, wrapped up the third chapter of Peter’s first letter. The command to “honor Christ as holy” (1Pet. 3:15) pretty much a gimme as I’m reminded that, not only has “Christ also suffered once for sins, the Righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God” (3:18), but also that He “has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him” (3:22). Noodle on that a bit! Behold the Lamb and the Lion!

And so, my readings in Jeremiah, John, and Peter end up becoming a kind of three-course meal, serving up thoughts of my Redeemer and adding a wonderful flavor to the “appetizer” provided this morning in Solomon’s Song.

His mouth is most sweet,
       and he is altogether desirable.
This is my beloved and this is my friend,
       O daughters of Jerusalem.

(Song of Solomon 5:16 ESV)

He is altogether desirable . . . He is altogether lovely (NKJV) . . . that’s the thought which set the table for me this morning.

How ever you want to approach the Song, tell me that the bride’s declaration concerning her beloved isn’t a fitting way for the saved to describe their Savior. He is altogether desirable . . .

The Lamb who died for me, the Shepherd who sought me . . . altogether desirable.

The Master who called me, the Friend who enfolds me . . . altogether lovely.

The Lord who sends me, the Vine who sustains me . . . altogether lovely.

The Son who loved me, the Bridegroom who is coming for me . . .

This is my Beloved and this is my Friend . . . He is altogether desirable.

How’s that for something to chew on?

All because of His amazing grace.

Only for His all-deserving glory.