AMAZING LOVE

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." - Song of Solomon 2:4

Every person has an innate need to be loved.  Some seek affection through illicit relationships.  Others desire attention & appreciation through professional accolades.  Most look for love through normal relationships, such as family and friends.  Whether a person is rich or poor, young or old, extrovert or introvert --- the fact remains that everyone wants to be loved. 

We can easily understand the love that a man has for his bride.  We can appreciate the love a mother has for her child.  These examples are merely a small reflection of a greater form of love, a love that defies normal human logic.  While we may understand certain forms of love, the love God has for us is far superior.  His love is amazing.  It is a supernatural love.  It is a sacrificial love.  All other expressions of love pale in comparison to His love for us.

The Song of Solomon remains one of the most unusual books of the Bible.  It is the love story of Solomon and his bride.  Through the years, theologians have debated this book.  Some declare that it is the story of Christ's love for His Church.  Others say that it is Solomon's poetic description of marital bliss.  A few believe that this book demonstrates God's approval of marital intimacy.  I believe that there is truth to all of these ideas.  The message of this Biblical book is the simple story of love.  It is the story of Solomon's love for his bride.  It reflects God's love for His people. 

Our text, Song of Solomon 2:4, states, "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."  These are the words of a young bride at her wedding.  The groom has brought her to the wedding feast and the groom has declared and demonstrated his love for her. 

As we read the New Testament, we are made aware of a love far greater than Solomon had for his bride.  God loves us with a divine love.  His love is amazing and life changing.  Consider two things about God's love for us:

1.  GOD DECLARED HIS LOVE FOR US

First of all, God declared His love for us.  Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  God has declared His love for us by sending His Son to die for us.  God is not ashamed to declare His love for us.  Are we ashamed to declare our love for Him?

2.  GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS LOVE FOR US

Mankind had rebelled against the holy God of the universe.  It is unthinkable that God the Father would love His enemies to the extent that He would give the ultimate sacrifice to them --- but He did.  It is good to declare your love for your spouse, but it is even better to demonstrate that love.  God declared His love for us and He demonstrated His love for us.  Romans 5:8 states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  The life of Jesus declared God's love to us, but it was the death of Jesus that demonstrated the Father's love for us. 

Some teach that God saw what we could be and because of this, He loved us.  That is not how Paul expressed it.  Paul wrote that God demonstrated His love toward us, "... in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  

Because of Jesus, we have been brought to the banquet house of salvation.  We have feasted of the good things of grace.  His banner declares and demonstrates His love toward us. 

As believers, we are part of His Church, the Bride.  One day, Jesus will come and take His Bride home.  The banquet house will be ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb.  Because of God's grace, we will feast at that banquet table & enjoy sweet fellowship with the One who loves us so much.

That's amazing, isn't it? 

  

SOW AS YOU GO

"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." - Ecclesiastes 11:6

I have to admit that I am not a very good gardener.  When I was growing up, our family had a garden.  Our garden was on a hillside, planted in poor soil.  Looking back, it is amazing that we were able to grow anything. 

Often the Bible allegorically refers to life as a garden.  You and I are here to tend this garden.  Our actions and words are the seeds that we sow.  Too many people sow haphazardly.  Others sow wild oats & then pray for crop failure on judgment day.

Solomon was the wisest man of his time.  The Bible allows us to glean from Solomon's wisdom, especially in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  In Ecclesiastes 11:6, Solomon wrote, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."  From this verse of Scripture, we learn the value of sowing good seed every day.

1.  SOW CORRECTLY

First of all, we need to sow the right seed.  There is no way around this elementary truth.  John Maxwell once wrote, "If you don't like the harvest you are reaping, change the seed you are sowing." 

The kind of seed you sow is vital.  Sowing the wrong seed always leads to a devastating harvest.  Paul wrote, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."  Some live and work deceptively.  Many are hypocrites.  Sowing in secret doesn't change the fact that a harvest is coming and often it is a visible harvest.  Ultimately, everyone will stand before God.  Be careful what you sow, because a harvest is guaranteed.

What should a Christian sow with his life?  First of all, we should sow good works.  I don't believe in salvation by works, but I do believe that salvation should produce works.  If you are a Christian, God intends for you to live a life of good works.  Paul wrote, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).  Although we live in an evil world, Paul instructed us to, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Secondly, we can sow our wealth.  I'm not advocating the prosperity Gospel that is popular on television.  However, the Bible does say much about giving.  In the context of financial giving, Paul wrote, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6).  Jesus said, "But when thou doest alms (giving), let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."  The Bible does not say that if you give financially, you'll receive a BMW or a brand new mansion in Beverly Hills.  However, God promises to reward you for your giving. 

Finally, sow the Word.  In the parable of the sower, Jesus taught us that when a sower went forth sowing seed, the seed fell on different types of soil ... which led to different results.  When Jesus explained His parable, He said that, "The seed is the Word of God," (Luke 8:11).  The Psalmist wrote, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," (Psalm 126:5-6).  When a believer sows the Word of God as he meets people, that seed sinks into the soil of the listener's heart.  I believe that the soul winner's greatest harvest awaits him in heaven!

Sow the right kind of seed and you'll experience a glorious harvest!

2.  SOW CONTINUALLY

The second principle we learn is very simple:  sow continually.  Our text teaches us that we should sow as we go.  Every day is an opportunity to sow in people's lives.  Don't just sow occasionally --- sow continually!

3.  SOW GENEROUSLY

Also, sow generously.  The more you sow, the greater the harvest.  Don't be stingy with the seed God entrusted to you.  Keep in mind that seed in the hand never produces a harvest.  It must be sown.  Our text from Ecclesiastes basically teaches us to sow generously, because you never know what may happen as you scatter the seed. 

4.  SOW EXPECTANTLY

Finally, sow expectantly.  Paul wrote, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not," (Galatians 6:9).  A harvest is guaranteed for those who sow.  Sow correctly.  Sow continually.  Sow generously.  One day, a harvest will come.

Sometimes we can to enjoy a harvest here on earth.  The most important harvest is just ahead.  God will reward His faithful servants.  Not one of His faithful servants will be disappointed on that day.

Based upon the last few years, do you have confidence that a great harvest lies ahead for you?  If not, this would be a great time to change course and start sowing correctly.

We will reap what we sow.  Sow correctly.  Sow continually.  Sow generously.  Sow expectantly.

Harvest time is coming.

TRUSTING GOD

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5

Trust seems to be a by-gone trait.  There was a time when a man's word was his bond.  Honesty and integrity were once common among people, even those with no religious affiliation.  These days, you have to lock your car, monitor your bank account balance and guard your credit card.  You can't depend on others to keep their promises.  You can't even depend upon businessmen to keep the promises made in a signed contract.  Even worse, we automatically assume that politicians and salesmen are lying in order to achieve their goals. 

Because of the moral and ethical failures of this current generation, we tend to be untrusting.  We can't trust anyone because we've had our trust violated so often that our hearts are calloused.  Because of this, we need to be reminded that there is still Someone who can be trusted. 

Proverbs 3:5 is a verse that has meant a great deal to me through the years.  Look closely at this verse:  "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."  Let's consider this issue of trusting God.

1.  THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD

Trust should be placed in a person that is trustworthy.  If a man lies to you over and over again, you know he is not trustworthy.  If a person makes promises, but never keeps those promises, you don't consider him trustworthy.  But what about God?  Is He trustworthy? 

Many people "believe in God," but they don't trust Him.  They refuse to trust Him with their soul, their future, their finances, their family and their career.  We must distinguish the difference between a mental affirmation of God's existence and a genuine, Biblical trust in God.  A mental affirmation of God's existence is not trust.  I may believe that a politician exists, but that doesn't mean that I trust him.  I may believe that an airplane is safe, but to entrust my life to that plane --- to the extent that I ride it --- is another matter.  Many people are like this when it comes to God.  They believe in His existence, but they want Him to remain a distance, unless a crisis arises. 

For the born-again Christian, God is more than a divine being.  He is real, personal, and glorious.  When a person hears the Gospel, repents and believes, his faith is placed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  He may have believed about Jesus all his life, but at the moment of conversion, he places his trust in Jesus --- trusting Him to be all He claimed to be & trusting Him to do all He promised to do.

Far too many people are trusting in circumstances.  Our text teaches us to "Trust in the Lord," not in our feelings or circumstances.  Furthermore, we are not instructed to trust in the latest fads or trends.  All that really matters is truth.  Truth may be unpopular at times, but ultimately truth will stand forever.

God is trustworthy.  What He says is true.  He keeps every promise that He makes.  You can trust Him with your life.  You can trust Him with your future.  You can trust Him with your soul.

2.  THE DEGREE OF HIS TRUSTWORTHINESS

The Bible instructs you to trust Him, "... with all thine heart."  If you only trust a person partially, you really don't trust him at all.  These days, people believe God and the Bible only to the degree that it fits in their worldview.  If the Bible conflicts with a man's philosophy, he tends to hold to his philosophy, even with its flaws.  Either you trust God or you don't.  You shouldn't try to shape God according to your worldview.  You should trust God and let Him shape your worldview.

God is not trying to recruit people to be religious.  Instead, He expects people to trust Him because of who He is.  The reason so many don't trust Him is because they have never had a real encounter with Him.  Once a person has met God personally through Jesus Christ, his life is changed.  He begins a new loving relationship with God that is built on personal trust.

While Christians trust God with their eternal future, so many fail to trust Him to meet their daily needs.  The One who can be entrusted with eternity can be trusted with tomorrow's challenges.

We should trust Him completely because He is trustworthy.

3.  THE FOLLY OF SELF-RELIANCE

Finally, the Bible teaches you to "... lean not unto thine own understanding." This doesn't mean that you have to check your brain in at the door.  This Scripture does not say that you should never think.  The Bible is not issuing a general statement of condemnation against education.  Instead, the Bible tells you not to lean on your own understanding.  Your education is not a substitute for God.  Your college degree or advanced educational training has a place, but it can never save your soul.  Education can't deliver you from sinful addictions.  Education cannot give you eternal life. 

It is not uncommon to hear people say that science or philosophy is their religion.  They believe that the future of mankind hinges on scientific development.  While science has a legitimate role in our lives, it has limitations.  Science does not produce love. Science cannot give spiritual edification.  Science offers no hope beyond the grave.  Be careful what you trust in.  Science is ever evolving.  What is commonly believed among scientists today may be disproved at some later date. 

God ever remains the same.  You cannot dissect him under a microscope because He dwells beyond the scope of what we classify as science.  There are aspects of life that science cannot probe.  True science is not in conflict with God.  However, current scientific beliefs may seem to differ from the Bible.  Keep in mind that science is ever searching for truth.  God is truth.  God created science & that science ultimately points to Him.  Don't place your trust in current, popular beliefs.  Place your faith in the truth --- truth that will stand forever.

God can be trusted.  Will you trust Him today? 

THE LIGHT OF THE WORD

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." - Psalm 119:105

I don't like walking outside at night, especially in the mountains where I live.  When it is dark, it is easy to have an accident.  A wise person takes a flashlight with him when he goes outside at night.  A flashlight will permit a person to see where he is walking. 

Our world is filled with spiritual darkness and uncertainty.  Many are stumbling along, going from one painful fall to another because they are walking in darkness.  As followers of Christ, we are expected to walk in the light. 

God has given us a great resource for our journey through this world.  The Psalmist wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105).  Despite the uncertainty and darkness that lies ahead, the truth of God's Word will be the light we need every step of the way.

1.  A LAMP FOR MY FEET

The psalmist wrote that God's Word is, "a lamp unto my feet."  When you walk at night, the most important need is to see where you are stepping.  You could step into a hole and twist or break an ankle.  You may step on a snake and get bitten.  Any number of things may happen if you can't see where your step will land.  God's Word will give us the insight we need to take the next step safely.  His Word reveals the ground we are walking on. 

2.  A LIGHT FOR MY PATH

Secondly, the Bible is, "a light unto my path."  Not only does the Bible illuminate the ground we are walking on, it also brightens the path ahead.  We make our future decisions and plans based upon the counsel of God's Word.  Knowing the path ahead will help us see detours and different paths.  The Bible helps us to wisely choose the right path to travel.

If you are driving home at night, you will need to turn the lights on when you start your vehicle.  If you are miles away from home, can you see your house as you start to drive?  Probably not, but the lights on your car help you to see the few feet in front of you.  As you travel, the lights of your car continue to reveal several feet in front of you.  As you make right decisions based on what you see, you eventually reach home. 

Life is very much like that.  God may not permit you to see five or ten years down the road. However, the light of His Word will illuminate the next step you will take.  It will show you the path you will travel today.  As you continue to travel by the light and make right choices, your journey will take you in places the Lord has chosen for you to walk.  It will be a joyful journey with a blessed destination.

Don't get frustrated because the light doesn't reveal the path twenty miles ahead.  Instead, follow the light that shines where you are and keep traveling the right direction.  Eventually, you'll be at that twenty-mile mark. 

God's Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  I have to confess that the greatest mistakes I've made as a Christian have come when I've neglected the Bible. This was an issue early in my Christian walk.  Now I read from the Bible daily.  Here's the reason why:  I need the light of the Word everyday as I travel this world of darkness and uncertainty.  You do, too.

Is the light of God's Word illuminating your path today?