As an addendum to the last post that connects Song 2:4’s “wine bar” to the “upper room” of the Last Supper, I’d like to share this short, yet lovely piece by Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) that connects it to the “upper room” of Pentecost!
The feast of this Song is rich with flavors – none more important than another. Each will just dance on your tongue when it’s time.
“He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” (Song 2:4)
By Bernard of Clairvaux (1903-1153)
The bride is giddy when she returns to her friends after intimate conversation with the Bridegroom. She seems to be a little tipsy. This startles her friends. They ask what has happened. She explains it was her visit to the banquet hall. She reports that she is drunk with wine-like spiritual love.
When the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, people thought they were intoxicated. Peter said, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose” (Acts 2:15). He does not deny that they are drunk, only that it is not the result of alcohol. They are drunk with the Holy Spirit.
They were in the banquet hall when “suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled up the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). When they emerged, intoxicated after feasting “on the abundance of your house [and drinking] from your river of the lights” (Psalm 36:8), they could honestly say, “He has taking me to the banquet hall.”
This is possible also for you. If you reverently enter a place of prayer, understanding that you are in the Lord’s presence, he will not let you depart empty. [see Luke 11:8]. Moreover, you will not be able to hide what has happened from others. “He has taking me to the banquet hall.” Take care not to seek praise for yourself. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (Corinthians 1:31).
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Being ‘drunk’ with the Spirit is one of those terms that causes gas for those who practice piety. Even me, raised by a properly english grandmother and father whom she taught always to “do the right thing”, I always found gatherings where people became boisterous and uninhibited were distasteful (to me). But in hind sight, and in consideration of the Holy Spirit when He comes upon us, the term ‘drunk with the Spirit’ makes sense in that when the Spirit comes in/upon, the false piety (religious inhibition/prohibitions) of the flesh is overwhelmed.
I was raised Presbyterian where in religious services there was a decorum / behavior that was expected and communicated by all in attendance – a conformity. Stand to sing while holding the hymnal, stand for the doxology, gloria patri, benediction, sit for prayer with closed eyes bowed head and folded hands. A cough or sneeze would get a look of admonishment from those nearby. Ushers seated us in pews – they always trying to put people nearer the front than anyone wanted to sit. It was all very structured and scripted. So imagine the Holy Spirit came upon such a congregation – and people bolt from the pews to dance, sing, praise, speak in tongues in the aisles. Having their religious piety (inhibitions of religious flesh) over come by the Spirit would almost certainly be seen by those upon whom the Spirit did not fall as drunkenness or perhaps lunacy.
Perhaps drunkenness is just a poor explanation for having had false religious piety/decorum washed away.
Hope all is well sis!
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It’s hard not to remember the story of David dancing in the streets, and the reaction of his wife, Michal. While such displays of worship doesn’t appear to be the norm – I think it’s important to be prepared that we may be asked to throw away our fear of what others think, and embrace the moment. I personally don’t like the feeling of “losing control” myself, (including emotionally!) but the Spirit is called “Holy” for a good reason, and I can trust that. If I don’t, I may quench the Spirit, and that grieves me, as well as grieving God.
It was great to hear from you, Jack. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Doesn’t CS Lewis call the Holy Spirit the Cinderella of doctrines? For those of us who do like control we can see why. May the Lord remove our false pieties!
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Cinderella, as in? (I haven’t heard the quote or know the context) But I can start to make a couple connections already….