Two of the books that Solomon wrote, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs, seem to be as vastly different as the sun is from the earth. Did Solomon write the Song in the thralls of “first love,” and Ecclesiastes later after falling away? Or did he find true love later in life after experiencing the vanity of the flesh? I personally believe she was his first love, but okay with not knowing for sure. The main point is: where are we right now in our passion for intimate relationship with our Beloved and His body?
Watchman Nee said,
“The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of a life of wandering; the Song of Songs speaks of rest from wandering. Ecclesiastes tells us that one cannot obtain satisfaction through knowledge alone; the Song tells us that man can reach satisfaction only through love. Ecclesiastes relates to the pursuit of all things under the sun; the Song relates specifically to the pursuit of things in Christ.”
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After posting this quote on Facebook, Jim Puntney had a response I thought contributed beautifully to what Nee is saying.
“The book of Ecclesiastes used to trouble me a bit, the vast wealth of Solomon, and his wisdom and in it all he came to see everything under the sun as vanity. Once I was able to see that this is indeed true, and the gift is what’s above the sun that brings life meaning. The Song truly is from above the sun and it reflects the Love and passion of The Son, and His wooing of His bride.”
“Seeing you have been been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” ~ Colossians 3:1
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Wonderful! It’s the Life above the sun which gives us life… not the knowledge under the sun. Brilliant.
I’m hearing a lot of teaching recently on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs….thinking God’s speaking to us here. Love Jim Puntney’s post, and it coincides with the teaching I’ve been hearing. We have to be above the ‘Son” to bring God’s kingdom to earth, in these times. Indeed, everything on earth is vanity! There’s a shift happening….and it’s a good thing! We’re about to enter the ultimate of “happily ever after’ with our Bridegroom! At least, this is what Papa is showing me….Love! (Missing that from Jay :-)
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I do believe you mean “above the Sun”, not Son :-) And yes, I miss Jay’s Love! also. Thanks so much for popping in, it’s good to see you again Maidena.
Yes, of course, Pamela…I guess I was thinking ‘above, where the Son is’ (indeed, seated in heavenly places in Christ). Focusing on things not seen and learning how to bring them to earth, to reveal Christ’s love for us all!! We have that privilege!
Dear Pamela
It is such a paradox but without our Lord Jesus the world and the whole creation does sort of seem meaningless especially if you were not born with the silver spoon in the mouth. But once we are united with our Beloved again, we cannot but see beauty in everything our Pappa created and realize the incredible value of every single soul whom He loves so dearly!
Blessings XX
Mia
Vanity, Vanity, all things are vanity, all but the cross, all but His dying. Love is the answer!
Because of my spiritual journey I believe God allows us to pursue many things that don’t satisfy so that we can see the vast contrast of the only one who can truly satisfy.
For us who have been forgiven much…..Oh how sweet and satisfying is His love and not to share it would be unthinkable. :-D
Oh so true, Vinny! How could we appreciate His Love unless we discovered what we lacked?
Pam, you pose a good question,”Perhaps the point is mainly, where are we right now in our passion for intimate relationship with our Beloved and His body? ” This is a good question. It is easy to be passionate for those in “His body” that are enjoyable to be around, like minded,etc. It’s keeping the passion when they have offended or hurt us in some way. Love is easy, but PASSION seems to be more intentional, active, the display of some heavy duty loving. I am going to reflect on that. Wondering how that fleshes out(looks like).
Thanks for the question.
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So true.
It just struck me recently, that up till the time of Jesus, who died for us while we were yet enemies, Agape love was a word in existence to the Greek mind, and was understood and practiced among the ‘friendly ones’ with a limit to it’s expression of passion. But now, Agape love has been redefined as something very intentional and active, as you said. It’s hard not to miss the difference in the earthly realm, between puppy love, and the expression of love in a passionate physical relationship. And yet, sadly most stay on the other side of the cross in spiritual relationships.
Thanks again for your great comment, Ana. There’s a lot to reflect on in it.
Watchman Nee said,
“The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of a life of wandering; the Song of Songs speaks of rest from wandering. Ecclesiastes tells us that one cannot obtain satisfaction through knowledge alone; the Song tells us that man can reach satisfaction only through love. Ecclesiastes relates to the pursuit of all things under the sun; the Song relates specifically to the pursuit of things in Christ.”
The contrast is quite stark! One is without Love, the other is full of it. Goes back to the 2 trees in the garden. Im choosing the good thing & it will not be taken from me. (Paraphrasing Luke 10:42). For. Love. Never. Fails.
Thanks for sharing that info from Watchman Nee. I also like your paraphrase of Luke 10:42.
I just want to add this verse to what you have said. ” Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 My dear friend Diane just shared this verse with me. Renewing our minds is huge!! Jay always said, “the biggest battle is between the ears.” Knowing in our hearts of hearts, renewing our thoughts, which can be our greatest enemy that Perfect Love and being satisfied with HIS love is the only thing that will last. When all else passes away God’s Perfect LOVE never fails.
Aleluia!!
How could we live without it!!
Amen, Ana!! Just a passing thought (usually a lie from the enemy), can get us off track faster than anything else. We must stay close to our Lord, staying sensitive to what the Holy Spirit whispers to us. Jesus said that we know His voice and we will not follow the voice of a stranger. Knowing his voice, His character, His subtle cues, are life & breath to us. Thanks for your input, you are quite beautiful!