Bible Passage: “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.” (Song of Songs 2:4)
Scripture Reading: Song of Songs 2:3-13
In the Western world (at least to put things into a caricature), it’s a “boot-strappy” world, and the stronger your grip is, the higher you can pull yourself up.
It’s a grab-all-you-can, take-what-you-can-get, self-made, I’m-my-own-man kind of world.
It’s not difficult to see the flaws in this from a biblical perspective.
Over and again, we are called to love our neighbors, to look out for those who are less fortunate, to give generously, and to think of others better than ourselves.
That all sounds right, but the practice is not nearly as easy as the concept.
And it’s sad how often this holds true with the one person in our lives who should get the best of us. Who, at least in some of our cases, we have pledged to love, honor, and cherish.
Men, it’s no overstatement to say we all long to be good partners to our wives (present or future). To provide, protect, preserve, and promote. Our best selves haunt the edges of our reality, often accusing us when we cannot bring this goal into reality.
The voice of the beloved (the woman) in chapter 2 of the Song declares in part what it means for a man to live up to his best intentions.
We can find in each verse of this poem a challenge to be husbands and men who fulfill the call of godly manhood. Today’s verse reminds us that the pure, God-desired love of a husband for his wife is public, clear, and safe.
She asks to be led into the banquet hall with a banner placed over her. This is a public display of affection, commitment, and support.
He is not ashamed for others to know his affection for his wife; he publicly celebrates it and her.
He gives her no cause to doubt his commitment to her. This public affirmation leads her to feel secure and safe not only in her home but also in public spaces, among her friends, and in all her endeavors.
Love for our wives should be clear and unmistakable, not confusing, inconsistent, or hidden.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be the kind of man who makes my woman feel secure. Show me how and where I can offer protection and celebration of her, even in public. Amen.
Reflection: Does your wife feel secure in your love? How do you make it publicly known?
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