The Risk Of Pursuing Love Series

Series: The Art of Dating, Love, & Relationships

Message: The Risk of Pursuing Love

Topics: Love, Risk, Rejection, Hurt, Pursuing, Christ,

Main Theme/Proposition:

Pursue the one you love even though it is risky to pursue love. Maybe each time we pursue love/accept love and get hurt we are reminded of the hurt God feels when we reject him and his love.

Text: Song of Solomon 2:3-13

Date: February 26, 2012

Pastor: David McBeath

PRAYER

INTRODUCTION

This morning I am going to dive right into the Song Solomon and attempt to draw out the deep emotional thrust of this section of poetry. But, for this to work, I need your help. I need you to make a little effort. ….You need to put yourself into these poems. If you are a male, here this morning, put yourself in Solomon’s shoes. Feel what he is feeling. Ladies, please put yourself in, Solomon’s fiancée, Tirzah’s, shoes and feel what she feels.

REVIEW

O.K., here we go! Last week we learned that Solomon had a good name and reputation. He devoted his life to God and this made him attractive to his fiancée and all the ladies of Jerusalem. It helped him connect to his fiancée at a deep spiritual level and led to them becoming companions and even best friends. Their loving companionship led Solomon to exclaim in verse 9 that Tirzah, his darling, was one in a million. So this is where their relationship is at as we dive back into this love song this week.

DEVELOPING DEVOTION (2:3-4)

As we begin to look at our text we are going to see that there is this developing devotion between these two. Let’s pick up their song in chapter 2 verse 3 and we will see this devotion grow, blossom, and lead to engagement. Listen to Solomon’s fiancée: “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.”

Apple Tree in Woods = One in a Million / Protection (3)

What is Tirzah saying? When was the last time you took a walk in a large woods or forest? When you were walking thru this forest, how many apple trees did you see? ….I don’t know about you but I haven’t seen any. She is saying that Solomon is one in a million. She tells him there is nobody else like you! I loves to be in your companyThe time I spend with you is sweet! ……Their relationship is growing past friendship and companionship!

There is this realization that there is something more, that this may be the one! Remember when that happened to you? Remember the flutters in your heart, the spring in your step and the smile on your faith that nobody could wipe off? Oh, man what a precious time! That is where this couple is at in their relationship! It’s beautiful!

Reminisce about when you came to the realization ….that this is the one? ….(Pause)….Where you scared? …..I mean what if he or she didn’t feel the same way? It is risky to get to that point in a relationship. Isn’t it? .......Love can be risky business!.........

Banquet Hall/Banner Over Me (4)

Let’s go on to verse 4. She continues: "He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love."

Banquet Hall

Literally Tirzah says Solomon has taken her to the house of drinking or the wine house. Hear her excitement. She says, He has taken me to the party. …He is showing me off to his friends and coworkers, and all the people that are important to him.

….It is a great feeling when your significant other wants people to know you are together! ….Do you remember going to the prom wanting to show off the girl on your arm! ….Think about when you too your significant other to meet the important people in your life for the first time, like meeting your parents? That is what is going on here! He is proud to be seen with her and she is proud to be seen with him.

But do you remember how scared you were the first time you introduced this person to someone close to you? What if your friends didn’t like her? …What if your Dad didn’t like him? …It was risky wasn’t it?

Quick piece of advice for our single and dating folks, if your significant other doesn’t do things with you in public, if he or she doesn’t seem like they want you around their friends, if you feel they may not want to be seen with you in some situations, chances are that person is hiding something from you. Chances are: that person is not right for you. It may be a sign this is not working out!