In our work we experience both hardship and joy. These are the raw facts of experience, but in order to understand them we must fit them into a larger narrative. For the Christian that narrative is the gospel story. This sermon explores how to view our work through the story of God's redeeming work.

It is the week after Easter, a week after the resurrection of our savior, and yet some of us still seek evidence that HE IS ALIVE! We don’t just do this during this time of year. Throughout all different seasons we seek physical proof of Jesus’ work in our lives. However, our faith in Jesus is not contingent on any physical evidence or even ourselves. Even when we can’t see or experience His work in our lives, He is always there.

What does the cross mean to you? How do you respond to the cross? The symbol of the cross is the most recognized symbol in the world, but it’s more than just a symbol. Today, Good Friday, we remember and relive, as Christians, the day our Savior gave his life for you and me. Remember and respond to the cross, not just as a symbol, rather as the action of our Savior dying for our sins.

Song of Solomon comes to an end towards the end of a beautiful marriage. Both Solomon and his bride are still very much in love and continue to pursue one another. Their active pursuit towards one another is like that of Jesus’ pursuit towards us, and an example of how we should constantly pursue him. Even towards the end of their lives they look at each other with admiration and great joy that they get to keep doing life together. This is how we should look at Jesus. Go after Jesus, pursue him, because he will always be pursuing you.

*We apologize for any technical problems we experienced when recording this podcast.

We live in a culture that has a trade in and trade up mentality. Toys, physical appearance, the next best thing, the next best person -- these are all things that encourage us to go “in with the new and out with the old”. Solomon and his bride are teaching us different. It may not be the most glamorous thing all the time to grow old with someone, but it certainly the most beautiful. Would we endure the test of time and not be tempted to trade in and trade up.

In all relationships we encounter times of frustration, anger, and unmet expectations. Most times our immediate reaction is to fight back with our own hurt fully exposed. This never-ending cycle will only lead to more hurt, damage, and pain. Instead of reacting, we must respond. By taking a step away from the emotions we encounter healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation. If you are in the midst of a fight, don’t wait any longer, go to great lengths to remind one another that you are for them and love them deeply.

In our culture today we have an unhealthy picture of sexual intimacy, but here in Song of Solomon we see a beautiful and healthy picture of how we can intimately love our spouses fully. Solomon takes pleasure in his bride from head to toe, he sets her apart and delights in her, and he loves her fully because she is his standard of beauty. The love displayed on this wedding night is a love we should encounter and be fulfilled by in Jesus everyday. Jesus is the lover of our souls and has set us apart so that he may delight and take great pleasure in us.

When you think of a wedding day your first thought is typically about the bride. However, here in the text we see that the groom (Solomon) is highlighted. Although our focus is usually on her, God wants us to focus on him: who is he? Who are his friends? Will he protect her? Will he provide for her? These are all questions that not only should she be asking, but that he should be asking of himself. Before you (men) marry His daughter you must be ready, willing, and able to gladly seek after Jesus and her, offer physical and spiritual protection, and invest in the durability of your marriage.

All relationships are susceptible to “little foxes”: those things that “are no big deal” when they occur, but as time goes on they turn into huge and potentially damaging “big foxes”. This is true for any of our relationships: with Jesus, your spouse, a friend, whomever. The good news is that all “little foxes” can be prevented, attended to if they sneak in, and reflected upon when you are on the other side. Foxes by nature are sneaky, tricky, and you rarely see them coming. Watch out for the “foxes” in your life, lest they make their way into the depths of your relationships.

We all know and have heard that “patience is a virtue.” Yet we live amongst a culture that praises those who go straight to consummation of anything. Here in Song of Solomon we see the longing, patient, beautiful anticipation for what is to come for these young lovers. The waiting, in this case for one another, can be the hardest part, but denying yourself instant gratification now will lead to greater flourishing in the future. Jesus is in the waiting and makes it all worth it.