As a church we have thought a lot lately about developing community. Henri Nouwen said that we will never have true community until we have first settled the issue of solitude and developed our secret life with the Lord.
This morning I was meditating in the Song of Songs 3:1-5; the last few lines of the second poem which begins at 2:8.
This morning I was meditating in the Song of Songs 3:1-5; the last few lines of the second poem which begins at 2:8.
“By night on my bed I sought the one I love; I sought him, but I did not find him. 2 “I will rise now,” I said, “And go about the city; in the streets and in the squares I will seek the one I love.” I sought him, but I did not find him. 3 The watchmen who go about the city found me, to whom I said, “Have you seen the one I love?” 4 Scarcely had I passed by them, when I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go, until I had brought him to the house of my mother, and into the chamber of her who conceived me. 5 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.”
Four things happen here, (1) the girl seeks her lover but does not find him, then, (2) she goes outside in the night to look for him. Then, (3) the watchmen find her and she asks them where her lover is. Finally, (4) she finds him and takes him to her mother’s house.
