Published by The Song of all songs is probably my favourite book in the Bible. Each time I get to it, there is a powerful excitement that rises up in me. I know that I am going to hear His voice; I know that my heart is going to be deeply stirred and touched, and I know that I am going to be drawn closer to Him.
Neo-Platonism teaches that God is the ultimate transcendence. He is a Being, seated on the outer circumference of created life, and contemplates only Himself, thinking His own thoughts, which are the only thoughts worth thinking. There is no inclination at all within Him to consider creation, or mankind. What we are, and what we feel, is of no significance to Him whatsoever. Such philosophy collides violently with the Christian faith in a God who loves us and who is near to us. This Song tells us how much He is in love with us, and just how near He wants to be to us.
There are a variety of interpretations of this book, the usual orthodox one being that it is an allegory, a drama that depicts an even greater drama. It speaks of the love that the Bridegroom, Christ, has with His Bride, the Church. Yet it must go deeper than that. This is not about a relationship between an Individual and a body of people; it is between two individuals, and therefore, it is about you and Him, me and Him. It is intensely personal.
Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, ‘It is a mine of spiritual treasure. It is one of the most exquisite expositions of the relationship of a believer and his Lord to be found anywhere in Scripture.’ Someone else wrote, ‘Few portions will move the devout student more into the pursuit of God’
When you reduce everything down in the Christian faith, it is all about relationship. God longing for us; we longing for God. As we begin to look into the fragrant truths that are to be found here, may the Lord begin to stir in us holy longings to look upon His face and to hear His voice. My prayer is that over these next few mornings, feelings for an intimacy with Him will be awakened to new heights and depths.
A great starter – looking forward to main courses & desserts – keep them coming, Alan – your balanced, biblical & insightful work is needed around these parts………