Monday, August 1, 2022

            The Song of Solomon is often called The Song of Songs as well.  Both names work for the same book.  It is part of the literature section of the Old Testament (along with Psalms, Proverbs and others).  When we read this book, we immediately think that we are reading love poetry or perhaps eavesdropping on some love letters exchanged between a couple separated by great distance but, nonetheless, wanting to reconnect with each other.  Indeed, the book has been criticized by some for its sensuous language.  What are to make of this book today?  Well, it is included in Scripture because scholars and faithful interpreters came to believe that it was a collection of love poetry describing the relationship that God enjoyed with His people Israel.  It has been seen as a spiritual allegory symbolizing the love and affections between God and Israel and perhaps even, later on, Christ and the Church for which He died.
            In Song of Solomon 2:16a we read, “My lover is mine and I am His.”   We are reminded of the certainty of God’s love and the permanence of that love.  His love does not waver or change.  It remains constantly in the life of the believer.  It is this profound love that calls us back to the Lord if we wander away from Him or choose our ways above His ways.  In 1:4b, we read, “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.”  God’s love is incomparable and without equal.  We give thanks for His love more than we would be thankful for the finest earthly treasures that we might gain or acquire.  Solomon presented the idea that no matter how much earthly treasures or experiences may bless us and enliven us, the love of God is far greater and far more precious to us. 
            As we approach the end of Solomon’s poetry, we read in chapter eight, “You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice” (8:13).  God longs to hear His people.  He desires to hear us worship Him with words of praise, trust and thankfulness.  He desires to hear us call upon His name in trust and faith.  He desires to hear us call out to Him in prayer.  He desires to hear us raise His name above all names and to declare our unfailing trust in Him.  We may not audibly hear the voice of God today.  But we can sense His voice in Scripture as we pour over His Word and discern His will for our lives.  We can hear His voice in prayer and in the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
            In Song of Solomon 8:14a, the Lord calls us to “come away.”  We are to leave our sins and idols behind to trust Him fully, totally and completely.  We are to walk with Him and no one else.  We are to place our full trust in Him and not the things of earth.  When we come away, we are reminded of the first disciples who dropped their nets and urgently left behind everything to follow Christ and Christ alone.  When some disciples were turning away from Jesus, Peter stepped up and asked, “where would we go?”  When we come to the Lord we do so fully and completely.  As the hymn sings, “no turning back, no turning back.”  Perhaps today, the Lord is calling you to come away to Him and with Him—leaving behind all others and all else for His sake and His glory. 
            Remember you can share our worship with others and you can worship anytime at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.  Have a wonderful Monday and start this new month by turning to the Lord.  May you enjoy a blessed August as you walk with the Lord!