Song of Solomon 4-6; 2 Thessalonians 1
God created marriage to be beautiful.
In chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon, the king nobly praises the beauty of his beloved, using many words, images, and comparisons. He ends his song with the image of a blooming but locked garden. This beautiful garden is under her control, and he has no right to it. The Shulamite reciprocates, inviting him: "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits." (Song 4:16), emphasizing that she voluntarily gives herself to him.
The following words likely belong to God. They speak of God's blessing of beauty and enjoyment in marriage: "Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!" (Song 5:1).
However, the reality of marital relationships includes moments of tension. Romantic relationships are very sensitive. The Shulamite's laziness and self-centeredness during their next meeting make the groom feel rejected: "I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them?" (Song 5:3). After hesitating, she finally opens to him: "I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My soul failed me when he spoke. I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer." (Song 5:6). This is followed by a description of the pain from the conflict and the difficult attempts to resolve it.
This vividly describes the reality of marital relationships after the Fall. Although marriage itself is created beautiful, tensions within it are inevitable. Overcoming these tensions without allowing them to destroy the marriage is possible only by relying on mutual dedication based not on feelings but on the covenant between husband and wife. The second mention of dedication confirms this: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies." (Song 6:3).
After this, the good emotions between the Shulamite and her beloved return. True love is possible only in a marriage whose foundation is complete dedication to each other.
2 Thessalonians 1
Expressing his concern and care for the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica in his first letter, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the growth of their faith in the second letter: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3). One of the foundations of their faith was their conviction in God's righteous judgment: "This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering." (2 Thessalonians 1:5).
Paul emphasizes again that their reward will be the comfort they will receive at the second coming of Christ: "And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels," (2 Thessalonians 1:7). He also notes that the unbelievers will be punished not only for their evil deeds but most importantly for their disobedience to the Gospel: "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
In chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon, the king nobly praises the beauty of his beloved, using many words, images, and comparisons. He ends his song with the image of a blooming but locked garden. This beautiful garden is under her control, and he has no right to it. The Shulamite reciprocates, inviting him: "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits." (Song 4:16), emphasizing that she voluntarily gives herself to him.
The following words likely belong to God. They speak of God's blessing of beauty and enjoyment in marriage: "Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!" (Song 5:1).
However, the reality of marital relationships includes moments of tension. Romantic relationships are very sensitive. The Shulamite's laziness and self-centeredness during their next meeting make the groom feel rejected: "I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them?" (Song 5:3). After hesitating, she finally opens to him: "I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My soul failed me when he spoke. I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer." (Song 5:6). This is followed by a description of the pain from the conflict and the difficult attempts to resolve it.
This vividly describes the reality of marital relationships after the Fall. Although marriage itself is created beautiful, tensions within it are inevitable. Overcoming these tensions without allowing them to destroy the marriage is possible only by relying on mutual dedication based not on feelings but on the covenant between husband and wife. The second mention of dedication confirms this: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies." (Song 6:3).
After this, the good emotions between the Shulamite and her beloved return. True love is possible only in a marriage whose foundation is complete dedication to each other.
2 Thessalonians 1
Expressing his concern and care for the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica in his first letter, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the growth of their faith in the second letter: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3). One of the foundations of their faith was their conviction in God's righteous judgment: "This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering." (2 Thessalonians 1:5).
Paul emphasizes again that their reward will be the comfort they will receive at the second coming of Christ: "And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels," (2 Thessalonians 1:7). He also notes that the unbelievers will be punished not only for their evil deeds but most importantly for their disobedience to the Gospel: "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
From the pastor:
Submit a question for the program “The Bible Speaks” at the following link:
http://forms.gle/AgnZhpUp2iU1i7Jf6
Grace Songs App
Here you will find songs with chords and sheet music.
Link for Apple: Grace Songs on Apple
Link for Android: Grace Songs on Android
I would be glad if these resources would be helpful to you!
Posted in Reading Bible Together