Meeting Christ in the Garden: A Devotional of Classic Writings on the Song of Songs

by Tim Chester

90–day undated devotional of readings from classic authors throughout church history –  Gregory the Great, Richard Sibbes, Hudson Taylor, Charles Spurgeon The Song of Songs paints in our imaginations a physical place where we may spend time with Christ and enjoy his love. The language of human love is intended to evoke an experience of divine love and inspire in us a response of love. It channels our desires to their true end, our Creator and Redeemer. In this 90–day undated devotional Tim Chester has curated a selection of writings from classic authors such as Gregory the Great, Richard Sibbes, Hudson Taylor, Charles Spurgeon, and many others, that will help readers to know Christ’s love better.   Spend 90 days in the company of these heroes of the faith and pin your affection on the one who is their Bridegroom and yours. There is commentary on each verse of the Song, with perspectives from a couple of different authors on some verses. Chester has included a thought–provoking question with each reading to help you apply it to your own heart.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.

Reviews

[Jonathan Downing]

Some of these reflections are absolutely stunning. Others are pretty naff. But I'd say it's worth it to spend 3 months taking SoS more profoundly than you've ever taken it before. It 100% made me love Christ more, so what more could you ask for?

[Jonathan Roberts]

Awesome! Throughout the history of the church since Christ most interpreters have read Song of Songs (Solomon) as an allegory for Christ and the church. Only recently have interpreters moved to it being only about sex within marriage. Because of this few if any of us have ever heard a sermon about the Song. Which is a shame. The Song is epic, Spurgeon called it the center of the Gospel! We miss out if we read it only as about marriage. Psalm 45 and Ephesians 5 tell us that love between spouses is a picture of Christ. And this book, a collection of quotes from church history for every single verse of the Song is a great corrective. This book was great and a nice breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to preach the Song!

[Lianna Davis]

This book was so sweet. I might not have agreed with every interpretive turn, but there were incredible gems of truth to be found within this collection of classic writings. I found my heart’s longing for Christ to be given a home among the pages of Scripture. And I saw new facets of the Lord’s loveliness and great love for me. I once asked myself where sin and redemption were found in the Song of Songs; this collection of writings gives some possible answers, with the gospel being a focal point throughout. Highly recommend.

[Debbie Williams]

A compilation of 90 extracts from sermons written by well known believers from the past - some from the very distant past - on the Song of Solomon. Some were very thought provoking, some were very dense, some I disagreed with. Interesting to see how views have changed over time.

[Phil Butcher]

90 short extracts of classic Christian writings on the Song of Songs from many different centuries. Some were dynamite, others less so!