We continue on in Song of Songs this week and there are a few things worth mentioning before we meet together this Sunday. A warning, a clarification and a reminder.
A Warning - This Sunday's passage would probably come with a M rating if it were a movie. The topic is sex and although never explicit the content is highly suggestive! As always, the sermon will dealing with text and what it means for us as followers of Jesus. You might want to have a read ahead of time - Song of Songs 2:1-5:1.
But do not be put off because Song of Songs paints for us God's good design for sex - a design that is good for all people - married or single, same-sex attracted or heterosexual.
It might be a good week to make sure your kids make it to Kids Church unless you want to deal with a lot of questions in the car on the way home.
A Clarification - On Sunday I pointed out that Song of Songs begins with a celebration of character. This was based on chapter 1 verse 3,
'Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out.
No wonder the young women love you!'
After a question at Night Church and chatting with a few people it seems clear I didn't show my working for why the reference to his name is talking about his character.
In the Wisdom Literature of the Bible there is a pretty common connection between someone's name (including God's) and their character and reputation.
Some good examples are Proverbs 18:10 and 22:1 but the best is 3:3-4,
'Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them round your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name
in the sight of God and man.'
There is also a clear connection which also involves perfume in Ecclesiastes 7:1, 'A good name is better than fine perfume'.
Now that's not talking about having a good name, like Andrew, but it is speaking of our character and reputation.
A Reminder - When it comes to Song of Songs getting out head around what it is doing in the Bible is really helpful when we are trying to work out how to read it. We spent a bit of time on this in the first half of the sermon last Sunday so if you missed it would be great to have a listen before coming along this week. You can listen to it here.
Grace and Peace,
Andrew
eNews - 28th July 2023