In whatever context we may view the Song of Solomon--whether the relationship here is between a man and woman or Christ and the Church, there are many guiding principles in this Book for all relationships. The phrase in chapter 5:1, "Drink, yes, drink deeply" serves to remind us to "drink deeply" of all personal relationships. Savor the moments we have with one another--even as the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is very short. Our relationships are to be treasured. This phrase can also apply to our relationship with God. To "drink deeply" of God is special--it is a privilege paid for by the death of the Son of God. It "sets eternity in our hearts" (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and should never leave us with feelings of disappointment. (If there is disappointment in our relationship with God, we are always the one at fault and God, in His love and mercy, will help us fix it--we just need to ask.) There's also comfort in knowing that this relationship will never end and we will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6)!
As a commentary on Psalm 104:34, Dr. Stanley writes on the subject of "Sweet Meditation"--"May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord". Sometimes in our rush to finish chapters in our Bible reading and cover territory, I think we tend to read over verses such as this one. This beautiful verse could have been a phrase from Song of Solomon! There are times when we know something is amiss in our prayer life. Dr. Stanley reminds us to "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God" (Ecc.5:1,2); "do not be rash with your mouth , and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few". Dr. Stanley suggests we are to "approach His throne with the desire to listen". I know he's right when he says, "Part of the problem is that we forget who God really is". Come before God with the understanding that "God is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him" (Habakkuk 2:20). He reminds us that when we listen more than we speak, we will be more likely to hear the "life-giving counsel that we most need".
In Proverbs 24:21, Solomon also mentions the theme of relationships with God and with people--"My son, fear the Lord and the king". Once again, we are reminded of our "vertical" relationship with God, and our "horizontal" relationship with others. He goes on to say, "Do not associate with those given to change". A relationship with God can bring tremendous stability to our lives--He never changes! The world would be in mass confusion if the sun came up some days and some days it didn't, or if the law of gravity was in effect sometimes and sometimes it wasn't. There is so much we take for granted that is due to the fact that God is in control. As R. C. Sproul has said, "If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign"! God IS sovereign. God is in control and there is no "maverick molecule"! (What a great thought to meditate upon when preparing our hearts for prayer and worship!)
The word "prophesy" in I Corinthians 14:1, is defined in Jamieson-Faussett-Brown Commentary, as "speak and exhort under inspiration". The Greek word can be translated "to foretell events", "speak under inspiration". Verse 3, relates that "prophesying" involves "edification", "exhortation", and speaking "comfort" to others. It can also be interpreted as "preaching". Dr. Stanley sums up chapter 14, and the contrast between the gifts of "tongues" and "prophesy, in this way: "Yet, as Paul reiterated to them, the real power of the Spirit is seen in the teaching and maturing of the Church". He also expounds upon verse 12, "Let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel". He says, "God intends that we grow in grace together. We are to learn about Him together. We are to serve others together. Why together? Because unity of heart and action best shows the power of God's love." Amen!
Unity in a relationship stems from love, as is portrayed in the Song of Solomon. Whether it is love for God or love for others, we are responsible for the love we have for God and the love we have for other.. This puts the two "greatest" commandments in a little different light--a personal light! "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40). Do I love God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind, and---am I loving my neighbor as myself?
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