The wise man concludes his love poem, we call Song of Solomon, with these words:

     For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

     It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

     Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away.

     If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned. (Song 8.6-7)

The metaphors for love are strong – death, the grave, blazing fire, many waters, etc. Love is both wonderful and powerful, yet potentially dangerous. Love, when misdirected or corrupted, is unhealthy.

The literal meaning of these words is of physical, erotic, love. After the struggles that the bride experiences in earlier chapters, she is now safely close to her husband, the true object of her affections.

The love between a man and a woman is a ‘type’ of the love between God and His people. Like a parable, it applies day-to-day language to profound spiritual realities.

It is this love that really matters. Our relationship with God is not one of duty and obligation. It is the love of a Father for His children, which is returned by children fully dependent on Him and overwhelmed with gratitude for His fatherly care. This love is full of intimacy and familiarity, adoration and respect.

Paul tells Timothy to ‘fan into flame’ his spiritual gift. Similarly, as Christians we must give attention to fanning into flame our love for God, Father and Son and Spirit.

I was part of a discussion about prayer recently. One element of the discussion was the extent to which our prayers are directed at our character rather than our circumstances.

Whilst this is not simply an either/or issue, I want to suggest the proper emphasis is on character. My conclusion on reading scripture is that God’s primary objective is our character. He uses circumstances to hone our character.

Paul’s apostolic priority is stated in Gal 4.19. He writes “my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” Here are the words of a ‘spiritual midwife’ longing for perfection for those in his care. Similarly, in Rom 8.29; “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Paul describes Christ as the prototype (literal word for first-born), of whom we are to be duplicates.

Those two verses alone seem to set the agenda for numerous other scriptures.

Paul writes to the Philippians; “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Phil 2.14-15). The best response to being ‘strangers’ in this world is to demonstrate the likeness of Jesus Christ, bringing light into dark places. In writing to the Church in Colosse; “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col 3.12),” adding forbearance and love and peace into the mix in the next verses. If we claim to be God’s people, God’s representatives, our obligation is express that in godly characteristics.

The apostle Peter adds similar instructions; “be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Pet 4.7-9).” James speaks of spiritual wisdom thus: “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3.17).”

Lest we think this is only a New Testament emphasis, David asks “who shall dwell on your holy hill?” and answers: “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; (Psalm 15.2-3).

In responding to a different question, the Psalmist insists that God does not delight in “sacrifice and offering:” “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40.7-8).”

As we embrace God’s priority for our lives, let us pray with confidence that He will surely fulfil all He has promised in and for us.

“I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” (Genesis 45.3)

When Joseph makes himself known to his brothers, his first question concerns his father, not checking on the sheep, nor the weather in Canaan, but his family, starting with Dad. Earlier he had been “deeply moved” at seeing his younger brother Benjamin (45.30).

There are a series on incidents in the gospels when Christ meets those who sole concern is the well-being of one who is both near and dear. I made the bold claim recently that prayers for close family are given priority in Heaven! My conclusion is this: When you read the gospels, the vast majority of prayer requests brought to Christ are for close family. I suggest this is no accident, and reflects the Father’s heart for family.

Some examples:

• Jairus – ‘my little daughter’ (Mark 5.23)
• Canaanite (Syro-Phoenician) woman – ‘my daughter’ (Matt 15.21)
• After the transfiguration, when Jesus meets a father, who cries out – ‘Lord, have mercy on my son” (Matt 17.15)
• The mother of Zebedee’s sons – ‘these two sons of mine’ (Matt 20.21)

The scriptures provide a ‘way of life.’ Walk in it.