December 23

“Thou art fair, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.” Song of Songs 6:4

It is in the heavenly realm that the saints have their union with Christ, but there too they meet the real force of the enemy's attacks. God never intended believers to possess heavenly beauty merely and be without the spiritual stamina to fight his battles. Unfurled banners denote victory. It is the defeated who have to roll them up. Christ’s beloved people are meant to make an impact in the heavens, marching on triumphantly as an army.

Yet when that is said, they are at the same time likened to Tirzah, a place renowned for its beauty, and are described as being comely as Jerusalem, the city of God. There is no contradiction here. The Church which is beautiful to God will be a challenge to his enemies.