Song of Songs 1.1 Solomon’s Song of Songs. – Solomon
In the book, verse 1 really is what it says: Solomon’s Song of Songs. Now, I know
there is a Lord of lords, and I know there is a King of kings; and only today,
did it occur to me that there is also a Song
of songs. Only in Scripture are there qualifiers like this; Scripture,
after all being the Book of books.
As a 21st century man, I must admit that Song of songs leaves me a bit red-faced – in my pea-brain, the
sexual overtones in the Song are like an elephant sitting next to me at my desk…say
what!? And so, I have tried to sort out the Song as to what it means, and what
it means to me. As I said, a bit
red-faced. But its presence in Holy Writ also emphasizes my appreciation of
the honesty of Scripture and the transparency of life with all its culture,
customs, habits, hurts, and hang-ups.
Sex is the real deal… when done right (and rightly).
Sex is not just the sensation – although there are many who would shout me down
on that point. Sex, as well, is mostly not what we in 21st century
western culture make it out to be either: who says we know what is right and
proper (can we even use the words, “right
and proper” in a conversation about sex?) When did we moderns become such
experts of human relationships and sexuality?
Sadly, like most everything else in our culture today, sex is
all about self. If one gets what one
wants out of it then so be it. But is seems the more we try to justify and conquer
our view of sex, the more mystifying and maddening it becomes. Anything devoted
to self and self-gratification is doomed before it even starts.
Song of songs mystifies me and causes me to wonder: why is it even in Scripture!? And then I
look at my society and go: Oh! That’s why! Somewhere in the mysteriousness of
life we were created to procreate – but procreation is not the only reason for
sex. Sex, is indeed a gift, but man does it come with a price-tag! And a gift
unappreciated, or abused, or misused is not much of a gift. At least from the
recipient’s point of view. Dad can give me a brand new bicycle for my birthday,
but if I use it for playing tennis it doesn’t do me much good. (Riding to
tennis on a bike is one thing, using the bike to serve the ball is another…)
So, I think the point (theologically) may just be this in
my pea-brained-ness: The Bible in fact, may be a sometime guide to the mystery,
mystique, and majesty of human sexuality. And God created sex – and it was goooood. But it’s only good
for us if it is used in the right way; not technique, or style but purpose –
sexual intercourse is always for the benefit of the other. Making love is just
that: love; and love is always about the other... first.
Can sex be fun? Sure.
Can sex be ecstatic? I hope so. But
sex loses its value when it becomes the end, not a means to an end. The end is
the health and vitality of the relationship of which sex is only a part. Want
more sex? Serve your partner well in every other area of life first. Want sex
to be more exciting? Try meeting as many of the other emotional, spiritual, and
physical needs of your partner apart from sex.
Note: Sex is work, but the payoff is perfect for the one
who is willing to do the work… (Put that in your pipe and smoke it…)
Thank You God, for
sex. Help me to do rightly and to concentrate on all of the other parts of her life
first …the payoff will be magical. 😊 Amen
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