The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Song of Songs 1:2-4,
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine.
Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers."
I love the way the NIV Study Bible characterizes Solomon's Song of Songs -.a unique book that discloses love's "exquisite charm and beauty as one of God's choicest gifts." Zondervan. NIV Study Bible (Kindle Locations 161450-161451). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. I have great appreciation for another observation in that same introduction to the book, "The subtle delicacy with which the author evokes intense sensuous awareness while avoiding crude titillation is truly remarkable." In addition to the beauty of the subject matter contained within its pages, the presentation of it is remarkable and a beauty in itself.
In showcasing the love observed in this book, the most earthy and sensuous phrases, metaphors and similes are employed. Coupled with an ardent urgency, "Take me away with you—let us hurry", proclaims the sensual and aesthetic pleasure the Lord has created us to experience.
This book of romantic and sensual love reveals that enchanting aspect to God's creative depth that helps define who we are as his creations within which he has built these rich dimensions of physical and emotional pleasure. Within this book we see the pursuit and gratification of the extraordinary capacities he has wired within us for experiencing these pleasures.
This book celebrates God's wonderful creation in its vast array of the sensuality he has designed us to enjoy. Kisses more delightful than wine, fragrances, skin tone, the beauty of the choice mares among Pharaoh's chariot horses, cheeks bejeweled with earrings of gold and silver, necks adorned with jewels. A locket of myrrh resting between the breasts, clusters of henna blossoms - all point to the capacity our Creator has built within us for beauty, for sensuality, for the satisfaction that the gratification of these senses God has designed within us bring.
While those of us who take to heart the problems our sinful natures can bring, with the illicit and perverse exploitation of these capacities, we need to add balance and an ongoing fresh perspective that it is our Creator who has designed within us this capacity to celebrate beauty and love. For me, very particularly, it helps me understand what life in the resurrection will be like. "you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11, and, "you give them drink from your river of delights." Psalm 36:8.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
for your love is more delightful than wine.
Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!
Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers."
I love the way the NIV Study Bible characterizes Solomon's Song of Songs -.a unique book that discloses love's "exquisite charm and beauty as one of God's choicest gifts." Zondervan. NIV Study Bible (Kindle Locations 161450-161451). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. I have great appreciation for another observation in that same introduction to the book, "The subtle delicacy with which the author evokes intense sensuous awareness while avoiding crude titillation is truly remarkable." In addition to the beauty of the subject matter contained within its pages, the presentation of it is remarkable and a beauty in itself.
In showcasing the love observed in this book, the most earthy and sensuous phrases, metaphors and similes are employed. Coupled with an ardent urgency, "Take me away with you—let us hurry", proclaims the sensual and aesthetic pleasure the Lord has created us to experience.
This book of romantic and sensual love reveals that enchanting aspect to God's creative depth that helps define who we are as his creations within which he has built these rich dimensions of physical and emotional pleasure. Within this book we see the pursuit and gratification of the extraordinary capacities he has wired within us for experiencing these pleasures.
This book celebrates God's wonderful creation in its vast array of the sensuality he has designed us to enjoy. Kisses more delightful than wine, fragrances, skin tone, the beauty of the choice mares among Pharaoh's chariot horses, cheeks bejeweled with earrings of gold and silver, necks adorned with jewels. A locket of myrrh resting between the breasts, clusters of henna blossoms - all point to the capacity our Creator has built within us for beauty, for sensuality, for the satisfaction that the gratification of these senses God has designed within us bring.
While those of us who take to heart the problems our sinful natures can bring, with the illicit and perverse exploitation of these capacities, we need to add balance and an ongoing fresh perspective that it is our Creator who has designed within us this capacity to celebrate beauty and love. For me, very particularly, it helps me understand what life in the resurrection will be like. "you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11, and, "you give them drink from your river of delights." Psalm 36:8.
While we can celebrate the beauty of God's creation, particularly the beauty we find within one another in this age, I am reminded that this is only a shadow of what is to come in the next.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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