First Comes Love - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, May 03
Read Song of Solomon 8
Highlight
In this final poem we see the summary and conclusion of our epic love story. Eros love is mysterious in many ways. In the context of marriage, in its unadulterated form, it’s pure bliss. However, the Song ends with a reminder about the power and intensity of love and a warning that it can be both beautiful and destructive. And yet God chooses to offer it to us for our good, to help quench a piece of our human longing to know and be known…and perhaps simply for our pleasure because part of His very nature is joy and delight. To know our spouse in this intimate, transformative way is also to know Him more.
The Bible Project sums it up well: “Who is the author of life and human experience? And who, therefore, is the author of this powerful experience we call “love?” It’s none other than the Author of all reality, who has given humans a great gift and responsibility in our bodies, minds and hearts when it comes to sexual love. It must be stewarded and nurtured and recognized for what it is: a gift from God! And, there’s a whole book of the Bible to make the point, in case we ever forget it.” (Song of Songs: Solomon’s Team of Highly Skilled Writers)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Song of Solomon 8
Highlight
In this final poem we see the summary and conclusion of our epic love story. Eros love is mysterious in many ways. In the context of marriage, in its unadulterated form, it’s pure bliss. However, the Song ends with a reminder about the power and intensity of love and a warning that it can be both beautiful and destructive. And yet God chooses to offer it to us for our good, to help quench a piece of our human longing to know and be known…and perhaps simply for our pleasure because part of His very nature is joy and delight. To know our spouse in this intimate, transformative way is also to know Him more.
The Bible Project sums it up well: “Who is the author of life and human experience? And who, therefore, is the author of this powerful experience we call “love?” It’s none other than the Author of all reality, who has given humans a great gift and responsibility in our bodies, minds and hearts when it comes to sexual love. It must be stewarded and nurtured and recognized for what it is: a gift from God! And, there’s a whole book of the Bible to make the point, in case we ever forget it.” (Song of Songs: Solomon’s Team of Highly Skilled Writers)
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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