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September 16, 2024; Day 2 of Week 25
- 2024/09/16
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あらすじ・解説
Daily Dose of Hope September 16, 2024 Day 2 of Week 25 Scripture: Song of Songs 1-3; Psalm 72; 1 Thessalonians 5 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the podcast/devotional that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. Today, we are starting the Song of Solomon/Songs, we will take a look at a psalm, and continue in I Thessalonians. Let’s get to it. Our first Old Testament reading is the Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs. This was part of the Hebrew Bible classified as wisdom literature, along with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and some Psalms. Wisdom literature was the closest thing to philosophy that the ancient Middle Eastern people had. We can read a book like Song of Songs and wonder why it was included in the Biblical cannon. But keep in mind, the wisdom literature was intended to provide answers to age-old questions like: What is the meaning of life? Where did I come from and where am I going? How do I get to know God? And even what is the nature of love? Thus, it’s not surprising that the ancient Hebrews included this in their holy book. Afterall, Yahweh was intimately connected to the answers to all of those questions. Most likely, this book was written in the middle of the tenth century. The book is most often attributed to Solomon, which makes sense, because he had many wives and a vast harem. I’m not sure that makes him an expert in love but he probably had a lot of sex. Am I allowed to say that in a devotional? It’s the truth. Solomon was a man who spread himself around; he had an estimated 700 wives and 300 concubines. That is not including some other well-known affairs, such as with the Queen of Sheba in Egypt. But while there are some scholars who interpret the Song as a product of human love (it’s often seen as a marriage song or poetry), others see it as allegorical. It could be the love that God had for Israel or the love Christ has for the church. As we read through it, I would love your own thoughts. Song of Songs Chapter 1 presents a deeply intimate exchange of affection and longing between two lovers. Many say it was King Solomon who saw the beautiful maiden and brought her back to his palace to try to win her over but there is no evidence to say that is true. Regardless, the chapter is intended to illustrate the beauty of love, the pining of two souls for one another, and the passionate desire that binds them together. The words are poetic and metaphorical, interweaving imagery of nature. Chapter 2 and 3 continue the description of the love affair. Many are shocked that this kind of writing was in the Bible, but isn’t God that created human love in the first place? But as you read the text, can you see how it could also be used to describe divine love? What are your thoughts on this? Psalm 72 starts with a prayer for the king. Not only does the psalmist, probably David, ask for the king's rule to be successful, but he also prays that this king will rule with justice and mercy. Interestingly, in my Bible the heading indicates this psalm is written about Solomon. It very well could have been. But there are layers of meaning here. Most scholars agree that this is a messianic psalm. Look beyond Solomon. David is praying for a king who will truly rule with justice and mercy, who will rule over all kings and all nations. Our New Testament reading is I Thessalonians 5. Possibly because they were experiencing so much persecution, the Thessalonians were very interested in knowing when Jesus' second coming would occur. Paul tells them two things they needed to hear: their persecutors will be judged AND in the meantime, living in faith, hope, and love, is the best way to prepare for the next step of their Christian journey. Jesus will come suddenly, like a thief in the night. But they have nothing to fear as God's children. Those who reject the Gospel will face God's wrath but the believers will be protected and get to live with Jesus for eternity. Paul isn't trying to prophecy here or provide some kind of timeline for the Thessalonians. This is purely pastoral encouragement for them. Jesus was pretty clear-no one knows the time, only the Father. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." Despite these words, people have tried making predictions for thousands of years. I hear people today say, "Well, these must be end times because of this or that." My personal opinion is that isn't for us to know or say. Our responsibility is to take Paul's advice to the Thessalonians and live in faith, hope, and love, pointing others to Jesus and living like people with Good News. Blessings, Pastor Vicki