Sunday, February 8, 1998 This Week’s Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Songs of Solomon 2:8-10, 16, 4:1-3, 5:10-13, and 7:11-13, we studied about romantic love. In our society, true romance is often missing, misunderstood, misused, or perverted. Romantic love, however, as taught in Scripture, is a gift from God. It is not based so much on sexual attraction or intimacy for another as on a deep appreciation of and attraction to a person of the opposite sex. Romantic love, as given by God, does not involve the perversion which is so prevalent in our society. It also does not support a polygamous lifestyle. Solomon had many wives, but the Quarterly indicated that his behavior in that regard did not adhere to the biblical model of one man for one woman for one lifetime. Songs of Solomon was written by Solomon, but it was written from the viewpoint of a bride.
In this passage, Solomon used words by his bride which are not very meaningful to someone in our culture. He used the expression "gazelle or a young stag" to show that his bride saw in him beauty, strength, freedom, and grace. He used images and words which were pastoral in nature. As a result, his bride was flattered that he wanted her to leave her normal routine and spend some time with him. In this love story, we do not see where one partner is taking or has taken the other for granted. We do not read where one partner senses suspicion or jealousy towards the other. In pure romantic love, these negatives do not exist. The Bible teaches through this account that these two lovers were always anxious to be together. They always saw only the best in each other, and their relationship was characterized by a genuine love and trust for each other. How wonderful it would be if all of us could experience this kind of utopian-style love. Perhaps, the divorce courts would not be so full, and people would not be rushing off into unhealthy, unsavory, sexual relationships. Premarital sex, abuse, adultery, and homosexual relationships happen, but the Quarterly taught that these illicit behaviors are perversions of biblical teachings.
Romantic love flourishes when we do not take our partner for granted. The nuturing of romantic love involves spontaneity. It involves preparing a time and place for the two lovers to be together. It is a good thing when a person can experience this kind of love. However, even if a person fails to find their perfect mate, they can still rejoice that our Lord has demonstrated this kind of perfect love towards each of us. Through Him, we can know what true love really means. The Bible tells us in Romans 5:6-8 that Jesus was willing to offer Himself on our behalf while we were still in our sins. Therefore, as you go through this week, reflect on just how much God loves you, and as He gives you the opportunity, share that love with someone else.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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