Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa contributor and 101.7 The River co-host "Brother" Scott McCown has a few thoughts in response to a question from listener "David F." from Northport.

Above from L-R: Holli Mack, DC & Brother Scott

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Recently, a listener, David, asked Bro. Scott asked a question about preaching, specifically preaching the Song of Solomon.  The question was, “How do you preach from the Song of Solomon?”  Scott gave an answer on the air, but here is a more complete answer from Bro Scott McCown of Central Church of Christ.

First, I have preached on the Song of Solomon and will do so again.

Admittedly, Song of Solomon contains blunt language about a man and his lover; many scholars suggest it is between Solomon and one of his wives. Reading Song of Solomon reminds us that the Bible "says it like it is" – not always in line with the "Western" code of proper terms. And it exposes the hypocrisy of American morals, that we are embarrassed at intimate words between proper lovers in the Bible, yet flock to TV/movies that glorify adultery and homosexuality.

Song of Solomon is the story of a marriage and the first nights of that marriage. The story includes the couple’s first fight, a separation resulting from the disagreement, and their reconciliation. In one way, this depicts the ideal and victory of true, humble, and virtuous love between married couples. Song of Solomon is an event, poem, or play that is analogous to man’s relationship with God.

God often compares His relationship with His people to that of a husband and wife. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32).

Song of Solomon gives us insight into God’s unconditional love. In Song of Solomon (SofS) 1:2-6, the bride reveals her astonishment that the king would love her with all her obvious blemishes. God loves us while we were sinners and sent Christ to die for us. God loves us despite our imperfections.

Song of Solomon shows us the persuasive nature and intensity of God’s love (SofS 2:8-10). The groom's voice calls out, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away with me,” as he runs to meet her, crossing hills and mountains. John tells his readers (1Jo 4:19) that God loved us first, and we learn to love from His love.

We learn that God’s love is eternal. SofS, “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered love for all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.” Or, as Paul McCartney sang, “Money can’t buy me love.” God’s love is even greater and does not fail (cf 1Co 13:8).

These are just a few of the lessons we can learn from Song of Solomon. We can also see our longing for God, how our faith and love for Him can falter, and how God’s love should consume us.

QUESTIONS?

Reach out anytime!

Scott McCown
mccown.scott@gmail.com