Today’s Bible Reading: Jeremiah 47-48, Song of Solomon 2, John 5:31-47, 1 Peter 2:9-17 Song of Solomon 2: Remember, we are looking at the Song of Songs as both a description of idyllic romantic, wedded love, and also an allegory, or typology, of Christ’s love for the church. See the introductory devotional here where such an approach is explained. Therefore, let us look at this chapter first through the lens of human love, and then through the lens of divine love. For human love, note the following: The exclusive affection of the lover. The one he loves is “my darling among the young women.” She is the one he wants, and no other. Therefore, if you are married, have eyes of adoration only for your spouse by guarding your heart from longing for other people. The overwhelming power of love. The beloved is “faint” with love. We are told not to “arouse” or “awaken” love before it so desires. Therefore, if you are not married, do not say or do things which will cause you to feel bonded to someone who may not be the best life partner for you. The passionate pursuit of the lover. He is “leaping across the mountains.” Therefore, if you are married, build in continued pursuit of your spouse through writing notes, spending time, going on dates, listening and conversing. The tender fragility of love. We are to “catch the little foxes” that ruin the vineyards. Therefore, avoid saying and doing things that you would later regret. Never say “never” (you never clean the dishes). Always avoid “always” (you are always late). Instead, say, “I find it hard when this or that happens.” The covenant commitment of love. “My beloved is mine and I am his.” Therefore, if you are married, realize that you are in it for life, and if you are not yet married realize that if you get married, you are entering into a lifelong commitment until death do you part. For divine love, note the following: The exclusive affection of the lover. The one he loves is “my darling among the young women.” She is the one he wants, and no other. Therefore, Christian, rejoice in being the apple of God’s eye and the object of his special and particular affection for you! And if you are not yet a Christian, realize that by committing yourself to Christ, you are committing yourself to someone who promises never to leave you nor forsake you. The overwhelming power of love. The beloved is “faint” with love. We are told not to “arouse” or “awaken” love before it so desires. Therefore, evangelists, do not force someone to commit their life to Christ by manipulation, much less physical power. Proclaim the gospel that is received through repentance and faith. Be a midwife at the birth of a new Christian, not a dictator over someone else’s soul. The passionate pursuit of the lover. He is “leaping across the mountains.” Therefore, non-Christian, realized that God is pursuing you. He is a God who calls and elects and runs after the lost sheep to bring them home. The tender fragility of love. We are to “catch the little foxes” that ruin the vineyards. Therefore, Christian, keep short accounts with God. When you have done something wrong, be quick to confess it before God. The covenant commitment of love. “My beloved is mine and I am his.” Therefore, Christian, realize that you are in a covenant commitment to God – and therefore submit to God and his Word, knowing that he is committed by his covenant to you!]]>