Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16 ~ 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 ~ Psalm 50:1-23 ~ Proverbs 22:22-23
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Old Testament - Today we begin the Song of Solomon! Now, for those of you that have not read Song of Solomon before, let me say this up front – this is a book for married folks y’all! :) Well, yes, us single folks can read it, but we would do well to know that this book is all about the beauty of love and, yes, sex - within marriage. As we all know, love and sex can get so very twisted by our modern world these days. If you haven’t done much reading on God’s plan for sex in our lives, I highly recommend you consider reading the book “Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity” by Lauren F. Winner. Lauren is a Christian, in her early 30’s. This book is a very honest and glorifying look at sex as it was intended by God. I think this book will make the word "chastity” hip & cool! Really.
~ Song of Solomon ~
Author: Solomon
Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This book, about the love of Solomon and a Shulamite woman, consists of a series of lyrics or songs, hence the designation in the text: the Song of Songs. It is a simple but moving piece, describing the longing of two lovers for one another, of the struggles that need to be overcome, of the tender feelings that love awakens, and of the joy that the lovers find in being together. The young women of Jerusalem, who appear with Solomon and his beloved, add to the dramatic effect of the story by adding observations of their own.
Theme: The most obvious meaning of this narrative is that human love, which was ordained by God, is good and holy when enjoyed in obedience to the commands of God. Many interpreters have found a symbolic meaning in the book, however, and point to the love of God for Israel or the love of Christ for his church. Seen in this way it underscores the teaching of the New Testament that God is love (1 John 4:8). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 10-11) More great commentary on the Song of Solomon is at this link.
New Testament - Second Corinthians chapter 8 verse 23 stood out to me today - "If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And these brothers are representatives of the churches. They are splendid examples of those who bring glory to Christ." I like that last sentence a lot. I believe each of us are called to be splendid examples of those who bring glory to Jesus! How is your example these days? Below is an icon of Titus:
Bible.org's commentary on today's (and tomorrow's) readings in Second Corinthians titled "Keeping Your Commitments" is at this link. Below is a great image for Second Corinthians 8:20-21 today:
Psalms - Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel - "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well? Are you giving true thanks to God each day? Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble? Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you? How often do you say "thank you" to God?
Below is a great image for Psalm 50 verse 1 today:
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 22 verses 22 & 23 teach us today: "Do not rob the poor because they are poor or exploit the needy in court. For the LORD is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them." This is a strong warning to not rob or exploit the poor. I think we would do well to think of this not only in terms of the materially poor, but the spiritually or emotionally poor too. Let us not rob them or exploit them. For the Lord is their defender!
Worship God: Psalm 50 verse 15's "you will give me glory" reminded me of Third Day's great song "Show Me Your Glory"! Here's a live version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZaMOuv2RI
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
