October 30, Evening
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to Thy voice: cause me to hear it." — Song of Songs 8:13 · KJV
My sweet Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane; and though He has left that garden, He now dwells in the garden of His church, where He opens His heart to those who keep His blessed company. That voice of love with which He speaks to His beloved is more musical than the harps of heaven; there is a depth of melodious love within it that leaves all human music far behind. Tens of thousands on earth, and millions above, are favored with its harmonious accents. Some whom I know well, and greatly envy, are at this moment listening to that beloved voice. Oh, that I were a partaker of their joy! It is true, some of them are poor, others bedridden, and some near the gates of death; but O my Lord, I would cheerfully starve with them, pine with them, or die with them, if I might but hear Your voice. Once I heard it often, but I have grieved Your Spirit. Return to me in compassion, and once again say to me, "I am thy salvation." No other voice can content me; I know Your voice and cannot be deceived by another. Let me hear it, I pray You. I do not know what You will say, nor do I make any condition, O my Beloved; only let me hear You speak, and if it be a rebuke, I will bless You for it. Perhaps to cleanse my dull ear may need an operation very grievous to the flesh; but let it cost what it may, I turn not from the one consuming desire: cause me to hear Your voice. Bore my ear afresh; pierce it with Your harshest notes; only do not let me continue deaf to Your calls. Tonight, Lord, grant Your unworthy one his desire; for I am Yours, and You have bought me with Your blood. You have opened my eye to see You, and the sight has saved me. Lord, open my ear. I have read Your heart; now let me hear Your lips.