Song of Songs
Written by myplaceinthisworld
Posted on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 07:15 PM.
Saturated with stories of se xual escapades, secret rendezvous, and extramarital affairs, today's media teach that immorality means freedom, perversion is natural, and commitment is old-fashioned. Se-x, created by God and pronounced good in Eden, has been twisted, exploited, and turned into an urgent, illicit, casual, and self-gratifying activity. Love has turned into lust, giving into getting, and lasting commitment into "no strings attached."
In reality, se xual intercourse, the physical and emotional union of male and female, should be a holy means of celebrating love, producing children, and experiencing pleasure, protected by the commitment of marriage.
God thinks se x is important, and Scripture contains numerous guidelines for its use and warnings about its misuse. And se x is always mentioned in the context of a loving relationship between husband and wife. Perhaps the highlight of this is Song of Songs, the intimate story of a man and a woman, their love, courtship, and marriage. Solomon probably wrote this "song" in his youth, before being overtaken by his own obsession with women, se x and pleasure.
A moving story, drama, and poem, Song of Songs features the love dialogue between a simple Jewish maiden (the young woman) and her lover (Solomon, the king). They describe in intimate detail their feelings for each other and their longings to be together. Throughout the dialogue, se x and marriage are put in their proper, God-given perspective.
Much debate has raged over the meaning of this song. Some say it is an allegory of God's love for Israel or for the church. Others say it is a literal story about married love. In reality, it is both - a historical story with two layers of meaning. On one level, we learn about love, marriage, and se x; and on the other level, we see God's overwhelming love for His people. As you read Song of Songs, remember that you are loved by God, and commit yourself to seeing life, se x, and marriage from his point of view.
Se x is God's gift to his creatures. He endorses se x but restricts its expression to a man and a woman who are committed to each other in marriage. God wants se x to be motivated by love and commitment, not lust. It is for mutual pleasure, not selfish enjoyment.
As the relationship developed, the beauty and wonder of a romance unfolded between Solomon and his bride. The intense power of love affected the hearts, minds, and bodies of the two lovers. Because love is such a powerful expression of feeling and commitment between a man and a woman, it is not to be regarded casually. We are not to manipulate others into loving us, and love should not be prematurely encouraged in a relationship.
The power of love requires more than the language of feeling to protect it. Se xual expression is such an integral part of our selfhood that we need the boundary of marriage to safeguard our love. Marriage is the celebration of daily commitment between a husband and wife. While romance keeps a marriage interesting, commitment keeps romance from dwindling away. The decision to commit yourself to your spouse alone begins at the marriage altar. It must be maintained day by day.
The two lovers praise the beauty they see in each other. The language they use shows the spontaneity and mystery of love. Praise should not be limited to physical beauty; beautiful personality and moral purity should also be praised. Our love for someone makes him or her appear beautiful to us. As you consider marriage, dont just look for physical attractiveness in a person. Look for the inner qualities that dont fade with time - spiritual commitment, integrity, sensitivity,and sincerity.
Over time, feelings of loneliness, indifference, and isolation came between Solomon and his bride. During those times, love grew cold, and barriers were raised. Through careful communication, lovers can be reconciled, commitment can be renewed, and romance refreshed. Dont let walls come between you and your spouse. Take care of problems while they are still small.
Purity and sacredness of love are greatly needed in our day in which distorted attitudes about love and marriage are commonplace. God created se x and intimacy, and they are holy and good when enjoyed within marriage. A husband and wife honor God when they love and enjoy each other.
