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June 2nd
Our Bible reading today is the Song of Solomon. To summarize, the song is a “picture window look” into The God View of Marriage and how the relationship between a husband and wife should be a window to the Gospel of Christ.
Now to the text...“He brought me to his banqueting table...”
A banqueting table is an environment of gratefulness for the blessings of God upon those who surround the table. It’s a place of happiness and joy among family and friends. It includes talking and laughter and partaking of the finest food and drink. It’s a time for exalting and paying tribute to a special loved one. It’s a place of peace and love and smiles and hugs.
And to be invited to the banqueting table?!?! Well, that was and is a great honor. The husband shows this same “honor” to his beloved wife every day. The husband bestows this kind of abundant generosity toward his wife every day. The husband toasts and praises his wife in front of family and friends all the time. The husband throws parties for his wife, especially in times of stress and affliction, to encourage her and lift her spirits. The husband creates opportunities for family get-togethers which especially blesses his wife.
“She” left her father and mother to cleave to her husband. But the wise husband always invites his wife’s loved ones to the banqueting table, and strengthens the whole family bond.
Yes, the wife referred to in this song was loved by her husband. The banqueting table was appreciated. But this wife’s main message was “And his banner over me is love.”
The word banner was a military term. It was the “flag” that united the army in battle that motivated a commitment to inspired fighting for one another until the end. That banner over the wife was her husband’s life long commitment to her and their marriage. That flag of husband love said to that wife, ”No matter how hard the battle rages...no matter how long the battle continues, I'll keep on fighting for you snd our marriage until I die.”
This song by Solomon highlights the definition of “love for a lifetime”. And the most pronounced part of the definition is...“Commitment”. “I promise by the power of God, to love you and protect our marriage for as long as we live.”
And do you see the parallels to the gospel of Jesus? “Come and dine” were Jesus' words to his disciples during one of his resurrection appearances. He invites us to his banquet table too, church. To be loved...to be satisfied with the food that he gives. Even that which we know not of. To be refreshed and empowered by the drink of the Spirit’s filling.
Yes, we are his servants but he calls us “friends” around that table and shares with us all that He is going to do and invites us to join Him in it. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them...they know not what they do.” Wow. His banner over those first believers was indeed love. That banner?!. The Cross... where He suffered and died for all who would believe Him.
To this hour that flag of the Cross reminds us of God’s commitment to us. Fighting for us. Our salvation, our sanctification, and our glorification in heaven. Fighting sin, fighting death, fighting hell. For as long as we both shall live. Meaning everlasting life together.
Enjoy the rest of the story.
Have a great day.
