It occurred to me that I don’t think I’ve ever previously mentioned in this blog that I have been working for the company of Chick-fil-A for almost ten years now! I’ve worked at this current store for over seven years and, before that, I worked at another Chick-fil-A store for just about two years. I must admit that when I started working for Chick-fil-A all those years ago, I never would have envisioned that I would remain at the company for this long. It’s quite amazing for me to contemplate being there for so long. Having said this, I must add very quickly that I don’t regret it for a moment.
I was just talking about this with a friend the other day. I was saying that if God wanted to He could have orchestrated for me to work someone else a long time ago, but He hasn’t. The truth is I want what God wants for me, whether we are talking about my job, or anything else. So I’m pleased that God’s plan for me has included almost a decade of service for a wonderful company like Chick-fil-A.
You say, “So what’s the takeaway for me, other than how great Chick-fil-A is?” Long before I began working for Chick-fil-A, Revelation 3:7-8 was a tremendous blessing to me. Jesus is speaking to the church of Philadelphia, and one of the first things He says to the church is what He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
These verses comfort me because it takes the pressure off. God has opened the door of opportunity for me to serve others at Chick-fil-A, therefore I don’t have to try to pry open another door that isn’t open. This certainly doesn’t mean that I can’t keep my options open for other job opportunities, but if they don’t work out, I don’t to have to panic, worry or fret, because I know that door wasn’t open to me. You may not work at Chick-fil-A like I do, but the principle is true for you.
Kevin
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” - Psalm 32:8 (NASB)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A terrific quote
Not too long ago, I came across these words from a pastor named Bill Hybels. He said, “God has wired us in such a way that the more righteous we are, the more we’ll actually enjoy life.” I can attest to the truthfulness of this statement.
The dictionary defines the word righteous as “acting in a just, upright manner; virtuous.” I think there are some who think just the opposite. They think if you can live a wild, unrighteous, and unrestrained life this is where true happiness is. But God says, “No, I want you to be righteous, holy, and virtuous.”
As I said, I can vouch for the reliability of Hybel’s words. I have seen it played out in my own life. Every time that I made the sinful choice, ultimately I found myself discouraged and unhappy. As Proverbs 22:8 says, “He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow.” However, when I’ve made the choice to go God’s way, I found myself joyful and fulfilled. This is not to say that life will be a comfortable bed of roses just because we choose to follow the righteous path. There’s no question that life always has its challenges. But, that said, I truly believe that we place an added weight on ourselves when we live a life of wanton disobedience and unrighteousness.
Kevin
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written “Be holy for I am holy” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
The dictionary defines the word righteous as “acting in a just, upright manner; virtuous.” I think there are some who think just the opposite. They think if you can live a wild, unrighteous, and unrestrained life this is where true happiness is. But God says, “No, I want you to be righteous, holy, and virtuous.”
As I said, I can vouch for the reliability of Hybel’s words. I have seen it played out in my own life. Every time that I made the sinful choice, ultimately I found myself discouraged and unhappy. As Proverbs 22:8 says, “He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow.” However, when I’ve made the choice to go God’s way, I found myself joyful and fulfilled. This is not to say that life will be a comfortable bed of roses just because we choose to follow the righteous path. There’s no question that life always has its challenges. But, that said, I truly believe that we place an added weight on ourselves when we live a life of wanton disobedience and unrighteousness.
Kevin
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written “Be holy for I am holy” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
An unpopular but necessary ingredient for life
My pastor – Bill Oudemolen of Foothills Bible Church – delivered a fantastic sermon this past Sunday. He is currently going through the book of 1 John. In this most recent sermon (he covered most of 1 John 4), Bill pointed out that one of the best ways that we express love to others is by sacrificing for them as God Himself did for us (1 John 4:10). That concept has been at the forefront of my mind ever since.
Let me illustrate this idea by talking about an episode of the old TV show “Family Matters.” As you might recall, for many years the big storyline of that series was that Steve Urkel loved Laura Winslow. He wanted to marry her, but she wasn’t interested in being anything other than a friend, and even that label was tentative at times.
In one episode, Steve invited Laura to go to an important school dance (perhaps it was the prom I can’t recall all the details). Laura declined saying that she was not going to go with anyone except a guy named Ted Curran. So what did Steve do upon hearing Laura’s declaration? He went to Ted at their school and said that if he asked Laura out to the dance she wouldn’t say no. Ted is thrilled and stated he would ask her, but then he became confused. “Wait a minute,” he said. “Urkel, why are you doing this? Everybody knows you are crazy about Laura.” “Ironic isn’t it?” Steve responded. “But Laura wants to go with you, and all I care about is her happiness.” That’s what I call sacrificing for someone you love!
One of the definitions for the word sacrifice is “a giving up of one thing for the sake of another.” I can imagine some of you thinking, “Sacrifice? That’s a dirty word. I’m not going to sacrifice for anyone. I’m going to get all I can.” That’s your choice, of course. I understand how unpopular the concept of sacrifice is. Just by the definition one can tell that it is obvious that sacrifice isn’t easy or fun. But I hope I’ve inspired you to be a person who shows love by sacrificial acts.
Kevin
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God – this is your spiritual act of worship” - Romans 12:1
Let me illustrate this idea by talking about an episode of the old TV show “Family Matters.” As you might recall, for many years the big storyline of that series was that Steve Urkel loved Laura Winslow. He wanted to marry her, but she wasn’t interested in being anything other than a friend, and even that label was tentative at times.
In one episode, Steve invited Laura to go to an important school dance (perhaps it was the prom I can’t recall all the details). Laura declined saying that she was not going to go with anyone except a guy named Ted Curran. So what did Steve do upon hearing Laura’s declaration? He went to Ted at their school and said that if he asked Laura out to the dance she wouldn’t say no. Ted is thrilled and stated he would ask her, but then he became confused. “Wait a minute,” he said. “Urkel, why are you doing this? Everybody knows you are crazy about Laura.” “Ironic isn’t it?” Steve responded. “But Laura wants to go with you, and all I care about is her happiness.” That’s what I call sacrificing for someone you love!
One of the definitions for the word sacrifice is “a giving up of one thing for the sake of another.” I can imagine some of you thinking, “Sacrifice? That’s a dirty word. I’m not going to sacrifice for anyone. I’m going to get all I can.” That’s your choice, of course. I understand how unpopular the concept of sacrifice is. Just by the definition one can tell that it is obvious that sacrifice isn’t easy or fun. But I hope I’ve inspired you to be a person who shows love by sacrificial acts.
Kevin
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God – this is your spiritual act of worship” - Romans 12:1
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The plate is hot
Why is it that whenever I’m at a restaurant and the waiter or waitress tells me that the plate is hot I have to touch it just to see for myself? Sure enough, only after I’ve burned my fingers do I find that this person was absolutely correct. Then I inwardly wonder, “Why didn’t I just listen to him/her?” They had every right to warn me of the impending danger; it was up to me to listen or disregard the directive. This is how I liken the commandments found in God’s Word, the Bible.
The Lord, out of His incredible love, has given us many prohibitions. Some people read God’s instructions and think that He is being too restrictive and narrow. They declare such things like, “God just doesn’t want anybody to have any fun. Come on, can’t I live a little?” I would imagine that it hurts God’s heart when people think like this. In reality, it is out of His concern for our well being that God gives us these boundaries. He warns us to go His way because if we don’t, we will inevitably only hurt ourselves.
For example, if you want to commit adultery, God won’t stop you. But He has repeatedly warned you not to do so. Because – like the hot plate illustration – if you choose to go down that road, you aren’t going to like the severe emotional, physical, and spiritual consequences that you’ll encounter.
Of course, there are many other examples that could be given. I could mention where the sin of gluttony would lead; or where choosing unforgiveness would lead; or where disregarding God's command to rest would lead. There are numerous illustrations that could be given. I just want to encourage you to choose to follow God’s path. Nothing good happens if you and I decide to stray from the path of righteousness. No matter what the topic, God’s way is the best way. Believe it.
Kevin
“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him” - Charles Stanley
The Lord, out of His incredible love, has given us many prohibitions. Some people read God’s instructions and think that He is being too restrictive and narrow. They declare such things like, “God just doesn’t want anybody to have any fun. Come on, can’t I live a little?” I would imagine that it hurts God’s heart when people think like this. In reality, it is out of His concern for our well being that God gives us these boundaries. He warns us to go His way because if we don’t, we will inevitably only hurt ourselves.
For example, if you want to commit adultery, God won’t stop you. But He has repeatedly warned you not to do so. Because – like the hot plate illustration – if you choose to go down that road, you aren’t going to like the severe emotional, physical, and spiritual consequences that you’ll encounter.
Of course, there are many other examples that could be given. I could mention where the sin of gluttony would lead; or where choosing unforgiveness would lead; or where disregarding God's command to rest would lead. There are numerous illustrations that could be given. I just want to encourage you to choose to follow God’s path. Nothing good happens if you and I decide to stray from the path of righteousness. No matter what the topic, God’s way is the best way. Believe it.
Kevin
“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him” - Charles Stanley
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Remembering a great season
Now that the Broncos season is officially over (congratulations to the New England Patriots on playing a tremendous game to eliminate Denver from the playoffs), I thought I’d say a few words about the Broncos season.
This was a particularly exciting season for the Denver Broncos. The turning point was when John Fox decided to make a change at quarterback and start Tim Tebow. In my opinion, Tim was the MVP of the Broncos this year. He seemed to raise the level of play of everyone around him.
At one point the Broncos were 7-1 with Tebow at the helm. Eventually, they won their division, and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Then they did something that nobody in the world seemed to think would happen: they defeated the defending AFC champions Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs in what was one of the most exciting playoff finishes in Broncos postseason history. Wow, what a year!
Coloradans are disappointed at the outcome of yesterday’s game, but as you look ahead to the Broncos next season, as I see it, the future looks bright. Tim Tebow will only get better. People seem to forget that Tim just finished his second year in the league (after playing very little last year I might add). Everyone seems to want him to put up numbers like Tom Brady when he is still so inexperienced at the pro level. Yet look at how far he helped take the team! In the playoffs, the Steelers defense dared Tebow to beat them with his arm and that’s exactly what he did.
The Patriots showed that Denver still has some work to do before we are an elite team, but still great progress was made from the 4-12 debacle of last year.
Kevin
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” - Tim Tebow
This was a particularly exciting season for the Denver Broncos. The turning point was when John Fox decided to make a change at quarterback and start Tim Tebow. In my opinion, Tim was the MVP of the Broncos this year. He seemed to raise the level of play of everyone around him.
At one point the Broncos were 7-1 with Tebow at the helm. Eventually, they won their division, and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Then they did something that nobody in the world seemed to think would happen: they defeated the defending AFC champions Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs in what was one of the most exciting playoff finishes in Broncos postseason history. Wow, what a year!
Coloradans are disappointed at the outcome of yesterday’s game, but as you look ahead to the Broncos next season, as I see it, the future looks bright. Tim Tebow will only get better. People seem to forget that Tim just finished his second year in the league (after playing very little last year I might add). Everyone seems to want him to put up numbers like Tom Brady when he is still so inexperienced at the pro level. Yet look at how far he helped take the team! In the playoffs, the Steelers defense dared Tebow to beat them with his arm and that’s exactly what he did.
The Patriots showed that Denver still has some work to do before we are an elite team, but still great progress was made from the 4-12 debacle of last year.
Kevin
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” - Tim Tebow
Friday, January 13, 2012
An incredible story from Jesus
I’ve been thinking about Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 a lot lately. I would encourage you to read this story in the next few days. By the way, not only just the parable – which appears in verses 23-35 – but also the context of why Jesus was speaking about this to begin with in the earlier verses of Matthew 18.
In a nutshell, Jesus, the amazing storyteller, speaks of a servant who owed a massive amount of debt that he could never hope to pay off. The servant goes to his master and says, “Listen, I cannot pay this off. Please forgive me this debt.” The master agrees. While he is still rejoicing over his cancelled debt, a fellow servant comes up to the just forgiven servant and begs for forgiveness for a debt that he owes. But the servant refuses to forgive the debt, even though the amount that this fellow servant owes was minuscule in comparison to the amount that this servant was just forgiven. The master is understandably is ticked off: “I cancelled the debt because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had on you” (Matthew 18:32-33)?
Jesus’ point seems clear to me: we owed God a huge debt of sin, but in His mercy, He cancelled the debt when we put our faith and trust in Him. Why then would a Christian turn around and nurse any kind of grudge or hidden resentment? Why should we fail to extend mercy and forgiveness to others when we consider the incredible mercy and forgiveness that God extended to us?
The Bible tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). The Bible says, “Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). There are no loopholes in these verses. And while some of you may be getting angry at me for even bringing this topic up, I think that while we are still barely into 2012, it’s a great time to search your heart for unforgiveness and choose to let it go. I can tell you from personal experience – I’m not asking you to do something that I haven’t done in my own life, if I were I’d be guilty of hypocrisy – bitterness and unforgiveness is not worth it. It is far better to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Kevin
In a nutshell, Jesus, the amazing storyteller, speaks of a servant who owed a massive amount of debt that he could never hope to pay off. The servant goes to his master and says, “Listen, I cannot pay this off. Please forgive me this debt.” The master agrees. While he is still rejoicing over his cancelled debt, a fellow servant comes up to the just forgiven servant and begs for forgiveness for a debt that he owes. But the servant refuses to forgive the debt, even though the amount that this fellow servant owes was minuscule in comparison to the amount that this servant was just forgiven. The master is understandably is ticked off: “I cancelled the debt because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had on you” (Matthew 18:32-33)?
Jesus’ point seems clear to me: we owed God a huge debt of sin, but in His mercy, He cancelled the debt when we put our faith and trust in Him. Why then would a Christian turn around and nurse any kind of grudge or hidden resentment? Why should we fail to extend mercy and forgiveness to others when we consider the incredible mercy and forgiveness that God extended to us?
The Bible tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). The Bible says, “Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). There are no loopholes in these verses. And while some of you may be getting angry at me for even bringing this topic up, I think that while we are still barely into 2012, it’s a great time to search your heart for unforgiveness and choose to let it go. I can tell you from personal experience – I’m not asking you to do something that I haven’t done in my own life, if I were I’d be guilty of hypocrisy – bitterness and unforgiveness is not worth it. It is far better to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Kevin
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Broncos incredible season continues
I wanted to commend the Denver Broncos on their thrilling 29-23 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. I also want to extend warm wishes to the Steelers; they are a talented – not to mention very classy – NFL organization. This is a team that is almost always a perennial Super Bowl contender and this year was no different. I know it was a disappointing finish for them, but they'll be back again soon, I'm sure.
As I’ve said before in this blog, the Broncos are winning as a team. While Tim Tebow played a sensational game – and he is going to continue to get the national spotlight, focus, and attention – it was the defense and special teams that played a big role in the win as well. Credit the Broncos for the win because they won as a team.
I also have to mention that Tim Tebow threw for a career high 316 yards. Someone tied that stat to John 3:16, so much so that Internet searches for that verse have exploded today. Some would just say that it’s a coincidence, and that it really doesn’t much matter. The fact is, anything that can inspire others to look up a wonderful Biblical passage like John 3:16 is a great thing in my book.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/01/09/tim-tebows-316-passing-yards-evoke-biblical-number/?xid=rss-topstories
Kevin
As I’ve said before in this blog, the Broncos are winning as a team. While Tim Tebow played a sensational game – and he is going to continue to get the national spotlight, focus, and attention – it was the defense and special teams that played a big role in the win as well. Credit the Broncos for the win because they won as a team.
I also have to mention that Tim Tebow threw for a career high 316 yards. Someone tied that stat to John 3:16, so much so that Internet searches for that verse have exploded today. Some would just say that it’s a coincidence, and that it really doesn’t much matter. The fact is, anything that can inspire others to look up a wonderful Biblical passage like John 3:16 is a great thing in my book.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/01/09/tim-tebows-316-passing-yards-evoke-biblical-number/?xid=rss-topstories
Kevin
Friday, January 6, 2012
Defining a genuine hero
In an episode of the TV show “Boy Meets World," Cory Matthews (Savage) accidentally starts a fire at the chemistry lab of his school. He was able to put it out and save the school. However, no one saw that he was the one that had started it; all anyone knew was that Cory put out the fire. Thus, he is immediately regarded as a hero. At first, he loves the attention, but eventually guilt begins to gnaw at him.
In a scene that I found quite riveting, Cory gets into a discussion with the neighbor (and also the principal of the school), George Feeny, about what makes someone a hero. Feeny says, “It means different things to different people, I suppose. A firefighter can be a hero. I knew of a man who worked at a factory for 30 years at a job he hated; it was the only way he could support his family. I felt that he was a hero.” “Sounds like one to me,” Cory replied. “But to me,” Feeny continued. “A real hero is someone who does the right thing when the right thing isn’t the easy thing to do.” Moved by Feeny’s words, Cory confesses to his folks that he started the fire. He is rewarded by getting punished by his parents, and losing whatever fame and notoriety he had obtained. But then Feeny – who witnessed the whole thing as he is the Matthew’s next door neighbor – gave Cory these words: “well done.”
I was so inspired by that episode. I want people to say of me that I’m a hero. Not because I do something as dramatic as save someone from a burning building, but because I have the character, as Feeny put it, to do “the right thing even when the right thing isn’t the easy thing to do.” I know that this doesn’t mean that I’ll have fame and accolades. After all, as Cory found out, doing the right thing might actually be costly in some aspects. Even so, I'm still committed to doing what is right, no matter how high the price tag.
Kevin
"A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward" - Proverbs 11:18
In a scene that I found quite riveting, Cory gets into a discussion with the neighbor (and also the principal of the school), George Feeny, about what makes someone a hero. Feeny says, “It means different things to different people, I suppose. A firefighter can be a hero. I knew of a man who worked at a factory for 30 years at a job he hated; it was the only way he could support his family. I felt that he was a hero.” “Sounds like one to me,” Cory replied. “But to me,” Feeny continued. “A real hero is someone who does the right thing when the right thing isn’t the easy thing to do.” Moved by Feeny’s words, Cory confesses to his folks that he started the fire. He is rewarded by getting punished by his parents, and losing whatever fame and notoriety he had obtained. But then Feeny – who witnessed the whole thing as he is the Matthew’s next door neighbor – gave Cory these words: “well done.”
I was so inspired by that episode. I want people to say of me that I’m a hero. Not because I do something as dramatic as save someone from a burning building, but because I have the character, as Feeny put it, to do “the right thing even when the right thing isn’t the easy thing to do.” I know that this doesn’t mean that I’ll have fame and accolades. After all, as Cory found out, doing the right thing might actually be costly in some aspects. Even so, I'm still committed to doing what is right, no matter how high the price tag.
Kevin
"A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward" - Proverbs 11:18
Thursday, January 5, 2012
God's ways and man's ways
Some Christians won’t admit this, but I can certainly declare that this is true in my own life: there have been times when God makes absolutely no sense to me. I was thoroughly convinced that God was going handle a situation in a particular way and He ended up going in a completely different route. Further, it was a route that seemed illogical to me. His direction left me confused, bewildered, and perplexed.
Have you ever been there? You were sure that God was going to give you that job promotion, as you were overly qualified for it, but instead it went to someone else. Or perhaps you lost your job and you have done everything you can think of to get new employment, but for some reason, God hasn’t opened the door. Or maybe you seemed to have an assurance from God that He was going to heal your friend from a gripping physical ailment, but instead your friend died. You get the picture. You thought God was going to go one way, but instead He went in another way altogether, and it shocked you. What do we do in these situations when God makes absolutely no sense to us?
In Isaiah 55, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” I own a precious cat named Belle. She is my faithful companion. Wherever I go, she goes. Recently, I was playing a video game and, of course, Belle was right there with me watching me play. It occurred to me that my cat had absolutely no idea why I was holding a controller and looking so intently at a TV screen. Furthermore, if I stopped and explained to her what I was doing or why I was doing it, she wouldn’t get it. My thoughts and ways are higher than hers. I think that’s an example of how we are with the Lord. If God stopped and explained what He was doing and why He was doing it, we wouldn’t comprehend a single word of it.
In those times when I became perplexed, even angry, at the way God is moving in my life, I have discovered that the best thing to do is to submit to His way. One of my favorite preachers, Michael Youssef, recently said in a sermon that when God’s plan differs from ours, the best course of action is to realize that God’s plan is far superior. Once again, this doesn’t mean that I’m ever going to understand why God intervened the way He did. Even so, I can simply choose to believe that God had a better course of action in mind than I did. Is this easy? No, absolutely not. But I truly feel that this is better than trying to ascertain God’s ways, something He clearly says I cannot do.
Kevin
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” - Proverbs 3:5
Have you ever been there? You were sure that God was going to give you that job promotion, as you were overly qualified for it, but instead it went to someone else. Or perhaps you lost your job and you have done everything you can think of to get new employment, but for some reason, God hasn’t opened the door. Or maybe you seemed to have an assurance from God that He was going to heal your friend from a gripping physical ailment, but instead your friend died. You get the picture. You thought God was going to go one way, but instead He went in another way altogether, and it shocked you. What do we do in these situations when God makes absolutely no sense to us?
In Isaiah 55, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” I own a precious cat named Belle. She is my faithful companion. Wherever I go, she goes. Recently, I was playing a video game and, of course, Belle was right there with me watching me play. It occurred to me that my cat had absolutely no idea why I was holding a controller and looking so intently at a TV screen. Furthermore, if I stopped and explained to her what I was doing or why I was doing it, she wouldn’t get it. My thoughts and ways are higher than hers. I think that’s an example of how we are with the Lord. If God stopped and explained what He was doing and why He was doing it, we wouldn’t comprehend a single word of it.
In those times when I became perplexed, even angry, at the way God is moving in my life, I have discovered that the best thing to do is to submit to His way. One of my favorite preachers, Michael Youssef, recently said in a sermon that when God’s plan differs from ours, the best course of action is to realize that God’s plan is far superior. Once again, this doesn’t mean that I’m ever going to understand why God intervened the way He did. Even so, I can simply choose to believe that God had a better course of action in mind than I did. Is this easy? No, absolutely not. But I truly feel that this is better than trying to ascertain God’s ways, something He clearly says I cannot do.
Kevin
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” - Proverbs 3:5
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
What should an unmarried person do with Song of Solomon?
Let's face it, Song of Solomon (also sometimes called the Song of Songs) is a controversial book. Many appear to be uncomfortable with its unashamed display of passionate interaction between Solomon and his wife. So much so that some attempt to take the edge off of the book by declaring that this is nothing more than an allegory of Christ’s love for His bride, the church.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are others who promote the idea that this book celebrates the joys of sexual intimacy in marriage and nothing else. For many years I would have nodded in agreement with this view.
But recently, I began to wrestle with this question: if the book is about nothing more than the joy of sexuality and emotional closeness in a marriage, then what can the Song of Solomon possibly mean for me in my life today? After all, I’m a thirty year old single man who will not be sexually active until marriage. Surely there’s more to this book in the Bible then just to agree that sex in marriage is good, only to mentally set Song of Solomon aside. So what follows is where I’ve landed in regards to this book after wresting with these ideas.
First of all, I wholeheartedly believe that we are to take this book of the Bible literally and interpret it primarily as a celebration of the love between a man and his wife. To do anything less, as I see it, would be to handle the text incorrectly. But for those of us who haven’t had the privilege of finding a spouse, I would like to quote a verse in Ephesians 5.
The context of that chapter is that the Apostle Paul is talking about the roles of husbands and wives. He mentions how a husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church (by the way, don't gloss over that, gentlemen; that is quite the charge) and the wife is supposed to submit to her husband’s godly leadership. Then he makes this statement: “This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church” (verse 32).
I once heard a preacher go through a sermon series on how marriage is a type and a picture of Christ’s love for His bride, the church, and he used Ephesians 5:32 as his proof text. I think he was right on the mark! With this bit of information, I can actually begin to look at Song of Solomon through the lens of the passionate love that God has for me, while not ignoring that the immediate, primary context is Solomon and his bride. Once all of this dawned on me, I realized I had came across an exciting breakthrough!
Therefore, I can look at Song of Solomon this way: when, for example, Solomon says "You have stolen my heart, with one glance of your eyes" (Song of Solomon 4:9), I know that it obviously, first and foremost, is a groom expressing his love and affection for his bride, but I can simultaneously apply it to my life by knowing from other places in the Bible that God loves us. For one example, He says in Jeremiah 31:3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Think of that: an "everlasting" love! That's means a love that is consistent, unwavering, and steadfast!
Kevin
On the other end of the spectrum, there are others who promote the idea that this book celebrates the joys of sexual intimacy in marriage and nothing else. For many years I would have nodded in agreement with this view.
But recently, I began to wrestle with this question: if the book is about nothing more than the joy of sexuality and emotional closeness in a marriage, then what can the Song of Solomon possibly mean for me in my life today? After all, I’m a thirty year old single man who will not be sexually active until marriage. Surely there’s more to this book in the Bible then just to agree that sex in marriage is good, only to mentally set Song of Solomon aside. So what follows is where I’ve landed in regards to this book after wresting with these ideas.
First of all, I wholeheartedly believe that we are to take this book of the Bible literally and interpret it primarily as a celebration of the love between a man and his wife. To do anything less, as I see it, would be to handle the text incorrectly. But for those of us who haven’t had the privilege of finding a spouse, I would like to quote a verse in Ephesians 5.
The context of that chapter is that the Apostle Paul is talking about the roles of husbands and wives. He mentions how a husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church (by the way, don't gloss over that, gentlemen; that is quite the charge) and the wife is supposed to submit to her husband’s godly leadership. Then he makes this statement: “This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church” (verse 32).
I once heard a preacher go through a sermon series on how marriage is a type and a picture of Christ’s love for His bride, the church, and he used Ephesians 5:32 as his proof text. I think he was right on the mark! With this bit of information, I can actually begin to look at Song of Solomon through the lens of the passionate love that God has for me, while not ignoring that the immediate, primary context is Solomon and his bride. Once all of this dawned on me, I realized I had came across an exciting breakthrough!
Therefore, I can look at Song of Solomon this way: when, for example, Solomon says "You have stolen my heart, with one glance of your eyes" (Song of Solomon 4:9), I know that it obviously, first and foremost, is a groom expressing his love and affection for his bride, but I can simultaneously apply it to my life by knowing from other places in the Bible that God loves us. For one example, He says in Jeremiah 31:3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Think of that: an "everlasting" love! That's means a love that is consistent, unwavering, and steadfast!
Kevin
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