Scripture

Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.

~Song of Songs 1:2, NLT

Quote

We experience many sensations in the presence of Christ: among them are delight and humility.

~Ya’akov

Many believe that Song of Songs by Solomon is an allegory about Christ and His church. The best commentary that I have read on the Songs was by Nancy Leigh Demoss and Ann Lotz. I wouldn’t dare attempt to repeat what they said but I do agree that the Song is about Christ and the church and our relationship to Christ. Why did God choose this analogy…the love of a man for a woman and a woman for a man? Probably because it is the most passionate of all human loves. There is so much pleasure and delight in sharing the presence of the one you love. You take delight in being with them. Their very presence and love is the only gift you need. Wine is a symbol of earthly pleasure and Solomon said, “Your love is sweeter than wine.” The New Revised Standard reads, “You love is better than wine.” The message to us is clear: Jesus love is better than earthly pleasure. His love is sweeter and more delightful than any pleasure you and I enjoy upon this earth. Why would Solomon say such a thing? How can the love of Christ be greater than any and all earthly pleasures?

Well for one thing; the love of Christ is eternal and earthly pleasures are temporal–they don’t last. Not only do they not last, they don’t really satisfy our deepest needs. They always leave us longing for more. You can become a hedonist and live for earthly pleasure but it will leave you empty. I do not deny that there is some pleasure is sin but it will not last. Asks the prodigal: he wanted adventure, excitement, freedom and the party life but he found out the hard way that sin is a thief and it will eventually rob you of everything your heart desires. Sin stripped the boy of his money, friends, and pleasure; it took everything he had and left him in a pig sty tempted to eat slop. Our earthly bodies are going to wear out–it is just a matter of time. I know forty year olds that cannot do what they could do when they were twenty. Trust me, their are sixty year olds that can’t do what they could do at forty. Wait till you get my age: you celebrate the fact that you were able to drive yourself to the doctor. The older you get, the narrower your scope of activities and that is a blessing in disguise. The last time I played football was on Thanksgiving Day 2012. We were supposed to be playing touch but Seth’s tackled me and my whole life flashed before me between his impact and the impact of the ground. I can’t play basketball; I can’t even jog. I get winded if I walk uphill. I am on a stupid diet due to by BP and A1C. June is bringing me a steak for lunch but I am not excited because I want cake and ice cream. BUT there is one thing that gets better and that is my time alone with Jesus. His love is so rich, so deep, so high, so divine that it is beyond my ability to even describe it.

Six weeks ago, our great grand son Jackson had feet but no place to walk; he had hands but nothing to hold to,; he had eyes but was in total darkness; he had lungs but no air to breath. You see God created Jackson in the womb but He created him for something beyond. We are in the womb and headed for the tomb but it is just a portal for a new world beyond. The reason you are not completely satisfied in this world of darkness is — you were created for the world beyond.

Sweeter As The Days Go By

Extra

Jake Hess sang lead for the statesmen quartet by in the 60’s. I didn’t get into that kind of music until just a few years ago. Elvis loved Jake and would slip into their concerts. Jake Hess sang at Elvis funeral. Elvis proclaimed him the best lead singer in gospel music; I am not sure I agree but you can YouTube him and listen to Sweeter As The Days Go By. Bro. Jack Freeman loved Jake Hess and gave away his music CD’s to first time visitors. That was when I was much younger and I didn’t think Jake’s CD was much of a gift. Of course Bro. Jack knew everyone; he knew R.G. Lee and had him preach here in Morgan County. I don’t think Jack knew Elvis but I would not bet on it.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.