Readings for today: Song of Songs 1-4, 5:1
The Song of Songs is a strange book. An erotic love poem between a man and a woman. Perhaps Solomon and one of his brides. Perhaps not. Many question how in the world it found itself included within the canon of Scripture. But the people of God have always ascribed a deeper meaning to this poem. Yes, on the surface it depicts an intense intimacy between two lovers but on a deeper, more spiritual level, it depicts an intense longing for God. Perhaps that’s why some Christian traditions read this book as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
The word “yada” in Hebrew means “to know.” And not just know on an intellectual level. It conveys the deepest level of knowing possible. The knowledge that comes from the mingling together of souls. The joining together of two into one. And this is why I believe the Song of Songs is such a powerful book. It is an allegory of the love between God and His people. It describes in great detail the depth and breadth and sweep and scope of God’s love. It is a love that is intimate on every level. It consumes the attention of the beloved. If you are married, think back to when you first were dating. You probably couldn’t stop thinking of the other person. Your love for them was overwhelming. Your desire to be with them was hard to resist. And really, why would you resist? They were the most important person in your life! They were your highest priority. Nothing could ever take their place in your heart. The same should be true in our relationship with God. And it’s why the Apostle Paul talks about marriage as a sign that points to the union between the church and Christ. It’s a reference back to the Song of Songs.
I know this isn’t necessarily a comfortable thought. Mainly because the church has gotten the gift of sex so wrong for so long. Either we treat it as something “dirty” or “unholy” out of fear or we scorn and trivialize it like the culture around us. Either way, we get it all wrong. Sex is a gift given to one man and one woman who commit to living within the covenant of marriage. It is a gift meant to draw us close. Make us one flesh literally if not figuratively. Similarly, when we enter into a covenant with God, we experience the same intimacy. Drawing us close. Making us one with Christ. Take a few minutes and re-read the passage for today. Think about your relationship with Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you one with Him.
Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays