On the surface this poetic book (also called “Song of Songs”) depicts an interaction between a man and woman in process of marrying. Reading this book at that surface level misses a much deeper meaning. The book primarily depicts a love story between Christ and His bride the church (us), and Christ’s relationship with individual believers. When approached carefully, this book speaks volumes about how God loves us – why else would it be part of scripture, which is God’s love letter to His followers?
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers.” (v2-4)
In this passage the betrothed bride anticipates and pursues relationship with her future husband. We the church can speak similarly of our desires for Jesus – we can long to be in close relationship with Him, pursue Him, and desire to be in His presence.
Why do we pursue Jesus? Because we love Him. Why do we love Him? Because He first loved us. How are we to love each other? The same way God and Jesus love us. How is this possible? Because God’s love is within us. See 1 Jn 7:7-21.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Cor 13:7-8a) “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Col 3:14) This kind of love is much different than romantic/Hollywood love – It’s a deep, trusting love that pursues and endures, heals wounds, restores relationship, that requires sacrifice, yet offers magnificent rewards and joy.
I encourage us to embrace the love of God / Jesus and share that love with everyone around us. This kind of love endures, does not envy, does not boast, it does not serve ourselves, it is eternal, and it longs for deep Christ-honoring relationships with God and those around us. This deep love fosters the kinds of relationships that will last for an eternity.
Father God, our Loving and Steadfast Lord, You are our Rock and Foundation, our Creator and Redeemer. Thank you for sharing Your love with us, for sending Jesus to die for us, and for loving others through us. May we seek deep, meaningful relationships with You, overflowing with Your love and joy so all who know us may love and glorify You. In the name of Jesus, in whose presence we cannot wait to dwell, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training