Morning By Morning #92

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.

Song of Songs 1:2

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

For several days now we have been dwelling on the Savior’s passion, or suffering, and for a little longer we will continue to linger there. At the beginning of this new month may we seek to be filled with the same glowing desires exhibited in the heart of the one chosen to be the wife in the Song of Songs. See how she runs to her Beloved at once. There are no words of introduction and she does not even mention His name. Her heart is already centered on Him, for she speaks of Him as though He were the only person in the world. Look how bold her love is!

Contrast her boldness with the humble act of love by the repentant weeping woman who took “an expensive perfume,…poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair” (John 12:3). It was also rich love that led the gentle Mary to sit “at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39) and learning from Him.

Yet here in the Song of Songs we see bold, fervent, and strong love that aspires to higher expressions of regard and closer signs of true fellowship. Esther trembled in the presence of her husband, King Xerxes, but a spouse who experiences the true joyful liberty of perfect love knows no fear. If we have received that same free spirit of love, we may expect the same kind of boldness.

And through the various “kisses” of Jesus we see the evidence of His affection that allows believers to truly enjoy His love. We have “the kiss of reconciliation,” which we enjoyed at the moment of our conversion, and it was as sweet as honey dripping directly from the honeycomb. “The kiss of acceptance” is still warm on our face as we learn He has accepted us and our works through His rich grace. There is “the kiss of daily, present communion” with Him, which we yearn for day after day, until it is changed into “the kiss of reception,” which one day takes our soul from earth, and then ultimately yields to “the kiss of consummation,” which fills us with the joy of heaven.

Our walk is by faith, but it is through true fellowship that reaches our emotions that we find rest. Faith is the road, but communion with Jesus is the deep well from which the pilgrims drink. O Lover of our souls, don’t be estranged from us, but may the lips of Your blessing meet the lips of our asking, and may the lips of Your fullness touch the lips of our need. And may Your kiss quickly bear much fruit.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Spurgeon today mentions “the kiss of reconciliation.” Jesus’ mission on earth was to reconcile His chosen to His father. Thus, reconciliation is defined as “the ending of hostility and the establishing of peace between parties that are at odds with each other.” Here is only a little of what Paul said of reconciliation:

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Colossians 1:21 – 22

Christ Jesus…himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.

Ephesians 2:13 – 14