DEVOTION: Made for Relationship

Song of Songs 6:3

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine;

Song of Songs 7:10

I am my beloved's...

Song of Songs is the story of a love relationship. This relationship progresses in chapters 1-3 and results in a wedding in chapter 4. True to life, a lover's quarrel presents itself in chapter 5 with reconciliation following in chapters 6 and 7.

There is a sentiment repeated within chapters 6 and 7: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine ." The word "beloved" here is used to identify the man. The repeated verse in 6:3 and 7:10 speaks of a committed, exclusive, yet imperfect relationship where both parties have given themselves over to one another for life. Both the man and woman exude love, passion, and longing for each other. Their mutual love consistently brings joy and satisfaction.

To be sure, Song of Songs is speaking of a human relationship between a man and a woman. This book is not an allegory; however, this book's placement in the context of Scripture points to a greater relationship with God. Remember that the Bible's narrative thrust is reconciliation between God and man. Also, recall that marriage is treated as a metaphor for God's relationship to His people throughout Scripture (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:8). When the husband/wife relationship is lived out biblically, it puts the Gospel on display in a way that no other human institution can. In other words, a godly marriage reflects the Lord's passionate love for His people (Eph. 5:22-33). Human love relationships are really about the spiritual relationship we have (or need) with Christ.

Just as we see with the man and woman in these verses, built within all of us is a deep desire for a committed, exclusive relationship within marriage. Yet, this isn't the only longing we have, and, as stated earlier, it points to a greater longing — namely, a relationship with our Creator through the relationship with Christ.

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