May 7, 2013 Submission

Read Song of Solomon 2-3 Submission Song 2:2-4 Song 2:1 (Young Woman) I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley. 2 (Young Man) Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women. 3 (Young Woman) Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.4 He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me. AS Solomon and his young love converse, I find it hard at times to know who is talking. The New Living Testament indicates which person is speaking. I’ve put that in parentheses, and I hope it’s helpful to you. What is submission? I believe “submission” is often a curse word in our culture. Too often it is seen as a frame of mind that means letting someone control your every action. But as the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, he urges the marital union to be based on a submission of love and honor to one another. As these two lovers honor one another with their words of endearment and compliments, they are submitting their hearts to each other. They demonstrate a love relationship that God formed in Adam and Eve as he made them “one-flesh”. They were to submit to each other and to God. Are you sometimes demanding your way in your marriage or friendships? Then consider these words of love from this scripture. Consider Paul’s encouragement to submit to others. Remember Jesus’ submission to the cross for you. Before you demand your way from the one you love, stop and consider how much you love the one you love. It’s True! Love leads to loving submission.