We finish Song of Solomon today with the fullness of blessing as seen in a secure and loving relationship. Be blessed as you read.
Song of Solomon 8: Longing for Her Beloved
1 [She ] Oh that you were like a brother to me who nursed at my mother's breasts! If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and none would despise me.
2 I would lead you and bring you into the house of my mother--- she who used to teach me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the juice of my pomegranate.
3 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!
4 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.
5 Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labour with you; there she who bore you was in labour.
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.
7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.
Final Advice
8 [Others ] We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for?
9 If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.
10 [She ] I was a wall, and my breasts were like towers; then I was in his eyes as one who finds peace.
11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver.
12 My vineyard, my very own, is before me; you, O Solomon, may have the thousand, and the keepers of the fruit two hundred.
13 [He ] O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it.
14 [She ] Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.
Things to think about…
1. This young woman wants an even greater connection and intimacy with her beloved. Even a near relationship – which was not uncommon in the ancient near east, S of S 8:1. But not quite, she only says that ‘you were like a brother’. As Christians we are of course brothers and sisters in Christ and have a closer relationship than blood. Coming from a non-Christian family I know the importance of having a close connection with my church family. I can share at a heart level. This young woman says, “I would kiss you and none would despise me”, vs 1. We should never be ashamed of our relationship with Christ or each other. But there is at times a fear of the world and our connection with Christ.
2. There’s this embrace again, S of S 8:3. It denotes unity, intimacy, protection and love. All the things we should have at a heart level with our Saviour. I would encourage you today to promote these qualities in another Christian who has been on your mind and heart recently.
3. He awakened her, S of S 8:5. No doubt the place of first sexual intimacy between this couple. Christ awakened us, from spiritual death to life. She wants his seal over her, vs 6, because her love and jealousy are as strong as death. This book almost went the way of Esther in not mentioning the name of the Lord. But His name is mentioned once here in S of S 8:6. Our Lord is jealous for us with a holy jealousy. Let us never despise His right to be protective with how He loves us. Ponder some of the ways our Lord shows this protective love over you. We are of course engraved on his hands and heart being brought near through the cross.
4. We need to protect the next generation coming up behind us. This woman’s younger sister has no breasts, I.E she is a child, still developing and unspoken for. The older sister wants to enclose her with cedar. She is a protector as a wall and her breasts like towers, S of S 8:10. This shows maturity and she is of an age where she has a right to speak for her younger sister, to protect and speak up for her. She is in a perfect secure relationship. She says, “I was in his eyes as one who finds peace”, vs 10. Husbands, does your wife feel at perfect peace and secure in the knowledge of your love and protection for her? Do we protect our next generation with such an example of love, peace and security? Husbands love your wives in this way, but also dads of daughters, cherish your daughters not just by protecting them physically, but morally as well. Younger, immature Christians should be protected through teaching, encouragement and an opportunity to serve at their level of understanding so they may grow strong in the Lord. A loving church of course has this covered.
5. Her beloved wants to hear her voice. Her garden denotes ‘sexual union’, and is constantly before him and available. Husbands if you want your wife to be willing and available for you, not just sexually, then show her love, abundance and protection. She desires it and wives, your husband wants to hear her voice S of S 8:13, 14. Does your wife initiate sex at times men? If not, this also highlights some relational issues that you may need to deal with. Begin by asking your wife what they are. If she has already told you many times, then start doing something about it!
6. In a real sense this is how we need to be with our Lord, totally open and honest and crying out for Him to be near, S of S 8:14. This is so we see, experience and know His affection and jealous love for us. Cry out to our Saviour Jesus, our Husband in prayer. May our heart cry be the same as the Apostle John “come Lord Jesus”, Rev 22:20. I trust this is the case for you.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Give it a shot, nothing to lose” – Reading Eccles 11.
1. Solomon had tried everything in life. He had 700 wives, 300 concubines and many building projects and an abundance of wealth. He wanted for nothing, yet his testimony was “all is vanity”. What did he mean?
2. How is a baby who has been still born better than one who has lived a full life yet does not know God. There is encouragement here. Can we be certain all babies go to heaven, what are your thoughts?
3. Christ alone gives us abundance in this life and certainty in the next. Can we be certain? Discuss Eccl 12:13
4. Pray for each other and the outreach of the gospel
Prayer Points
1. John Ward has passed into glory on the 30th Aug – 73yo. Please pray for the family as they prepare funeral arrangements. Funeral service will be held at CBC 10am Mon 12th Sept.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023.
3. Some away through sickness.
4. Ministry leaders within the church.
5. Sunday’s members meeting.
6. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
7. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Sunday’s members’ meeting. Pray for site development and the leaderships wisdom to manage through the process.
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Melinda and Maddison looking after Kidz at Church. Iman doing the words. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Potjie and Braai Sunday morning – remember to bring salads, etc. Meat and rolls provided. Service will be outside. Bring comfortable chairs and a hat. Cutlery provided.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for September...
Q. 8. What will happen to the righteous in the day of judgment? A. They shall live with Jesus Christ forever, in a new heaven and a new earth.
