The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

EMOTIONS

Every relationship experiences highs and lows, and the two lovers in Song of Songs are no exception. In chapter 5, Solomon withdrew from the woman, and she quickly realized a gap started to form between them. She cried for his return but heard no answer. The emotions of the two lovers are clear throughout the entire book, but most often they are emotions of great joy. Chapter 5 shows a severe emotional swing toward separation and sadness, as the woman’s heart sank after being away from her lover.

The young bride is not unique in her experience of heavy emotions. Jesus showed he was capable of great emotional depth. He illustrated the joy a shepherd experiences when a lost sheep is found, pointing to his own happiness (Lk 15:5 – 6). Additionally, there were times when Jesus was filled with tremendous sorrow (Jn 11:35). One of Jesus’ most emotional moments is recorded in Mark 14 while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his imminent arrest. Verse 34 says, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He knew that he was on his way to the cross to die for the sins of humankind, and similar to the woman in Song of Songs, his heart sank. Jesus’ last words recorded in Matthew’s Gospel are “ ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Mt 27:46). Every past, present and future sin was heaped upon Jesus at the moment when he cried out, and it was in that moment that Jesus experienced separation from God for the first time in all eternity.

It is important to know that Jesus’ separation from God on the cross was only momentary. He died on the cross, atoning for sin, and he rose to life in victory over death (1Co 15:55 – 56). In Song of Songs, the separation of the lovers was only temporary as well.

Jesus, sometimes I feel emotionless, and other times I am overwhelmed by feelings. When I am overcome by grief or sadness, remind me that you have suffered great emotional sorrow and that you are still in control. Amen.