Song
of Songs 1:1-4:16; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 22:22-23
Isn't
our God good? To put such a beautiful expression of sexual desire and
intimacy into his revelation? I can't help but think that so many of
those detractors who pooh-pooh Christianity for its prudery have never read
Song of Songs! It's exciting, it's vivid, it's passionate, and it's holy
- sanctified by God within the bounds of marriage. It's real (they have
fights and disagreements) and it's sturdy (they know how to reconcile well).
What an example for us.
Paul,
and his collection for the relief of the church in Jerusalem, is another such
example. Don't you find his words in today's reading stirring?
"We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of
the Lord but also in the eyes of men" (2 Cor. 8:21). Godly men
making good decisions, determined to be above reproach.
The
LORD offers himself as an example, too. Look at the words of assurance he
offers to his people through our psalm. He invites his people to
"call upon [him] in the day of trouble," promising to "deliver
[them]" (Ps. 50:15) and citing his own self-sufficiency as support.
If God does not need a bull or a goat from them (vs. 9), if all the
livestock in all the pastures are his (vs. 10), if every creature belongs to
him (vs. 11), then God can abundantly provide. If he is so full - to the
point of never being in need at all - then his abundance can meet the needs of
his people.
Lord
God, thank you for showing us the salvation of God (Ps. 50:23). Thank you
for providing examples of right living to guide us in our relationships, in our
giving, in our dependence on you. You are nothing like us (see vs. 21),
and we praise you. Amen.
- Sarah Marsh
How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click here to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.
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