“My beloved is white and ruddy…” (Song of Sol. 5:10 NKJ).
The word white in this verse has to do with radiance like clear light. It is a reference to rays of morning sunshine, scattering the somber effects of the night.
White is also a symbol of purity. Jesus is the lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Pet. 1:19 NKJ). When Daniel saw Him as the ancient of days. His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool (Dan. 7:9).
When John saw Him, His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Rev. 1:14). When the disciples saw Him on the Mount of Transfiguration, His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light (Matt. 17:2).
No one was ever pure and white like Jesus. The color white as applied to our Lord is not an indication of race or nationality; it is a reference to the glorious radiance and dazzling splendor that caused Malachi to call Him the Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2).
Ruddy is the word used to describe the blood of Jesus. It reminds us of the sacrificial death of our precious Savior, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8).
In eternity, in the midst of the throne. He is still seen as a Lamb as it had been slain (Rev. 5:6). In days coming, He shall appear clothed with a vesture dipped in blood (Rev. 19:13). Isaiah says of him: “…red is thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth the winefat (Isa. 63:2).
The expression white and ruddy portrays radiant splendor clothed in blood-dyed garments, future glory wrapped in past remembrance of His crucifixion.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.