“Love is as strong as death” (Song of Solomon 8:6)

Christ died so “through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14–15).

Saints can live without the fear of death because, “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:17–19).

This is the love of Jesus, the matchless lover of souls. His love was stronger than the most terrible death, for it endured the cross triumphantly. It was a lingering death, but love survived the torment; a shameful death, but love despised the shame; a necessary death, in order for love to suffer our just sentence; a forsaken, lonely death, from which the eternal Father hid his face, but love endured the curse, and gloried over all.

There was never before such love, and such death. It was a desperate duel, but love won the victory. What then, should be my heart’s response to this love? Help me Lord, to feel Your love burn like a furnace within me. Come, excite me to love You with commensurate love.

I want to love Christ with a love stronger than death. He deserves it: I desire it. The martyrs felt such love, and they were flesh and blood like me. They mourned their weakness, and yet out of weakness were made strong. Grace gave them their unflinching constancy – I have the same grace. Jesus, lover of my soul, pour out your love in my heart, this evening.

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