July 10

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR JULY 10, 2025: SONG OF SONGS 6, 1 THESSALONIANS 5, PSALM 67              SONGS OF SONGS 6 The friends seem to want to help these young lovers reconnect, so they ask the woman where they might find her beloved.  Having not found him in the city, she concludes he must be in the garden, checking out its progress and collecting lilies for her. Suddenly He appears to speak directly to her after their brief separation.  He compares her to the most beautiful cities; perhaps today he would compare her to springtime in Paris, likely not Muncie in winter.  He finds her not only alluring but majestic like a military parade.  In fact, he tells her to look away from him because he finds her appearance to be overwhelmingly beautiful. Ever experience such a feeling?  Consider David’s thoughts toward God: “You have encircled me behind and in front, and placed Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it” (Psalm 139:5-6).

Once again, he reaches for familiar comparisons, such as goats, sheep, and pomegranates. He even judges her more wonderful than all other women who known for their beauty. He convincingly states this so obviously true that these other women totally agree with his assessment.  Are we convinced by now that she was nice looking or at least that Solomon thought so?  All young husbands, and even older ones, should speak like this to their wives.  Solomon confirms that he has been checking out the garden’s progress, but that his desire to see her caused him to get into his chariot—perhaps to rush back to his beloved.  (The meaning of this and the last few verses is unclear to this writer. Those with more experience in reading love stories or poetry are likely better equipped to interpret them.)

READING FOR JULY 10, 2025 CONTINUED: 1 THESSALONIANS 5, PSALM 67                                   1 THESSALONIANS 5  Apparently in Paul’s three short weeks in Thessalonica, he covered aspects of the Jesus’s second coming because here it says they know the general outline of the timing. They know that they can’t exactly know. Yet, he directs them to be ready and alert to what’s going on—not spiritually asleep or drunk. He pulls out his spiritual warfare armor metaphor again from Ephesians as being one way to stay alert. He reminds them that, because they are saved, they will not experience God’s coming wrath and suggests they remind each other of this fact as a means of encouragement. Notice the clear inference about God’s wrath coming upon those who are not saved! 

Here are some additional tips to prepare for the difficult and uncertain days ahead:  

  • Respect and love those in spiritual leadership, especially those who instruct. Thank the Pastor.
  • Seek peace with everyone. Be a gossip stopper.
  • Get in the face lovingly and with patience of those causing trouble in the church. Check our motives.
  • Encourage those who are timid and uncertain in the faith to grow stronger. Invite to Sunday School.
  • Constantly pray for others, rejoice in our faith, and give thanks to God. Get/use the Prayer Calendar.
  • Do not quickly reject a prophetic statement, but examine it carefully, holding onto that which is good. 

Don’t assume a statement is true because it is said from the pulpit or appears in writing, ESPECIALLY THESE READING GUIDES. See if the statement is confirmed by God’s word!

PSALM 67 This beautiful opening quotes the magnificent blessing God gave to Aaron: “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord cause His face to shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His face to you, And give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26). 

The Psalmist says this blessing is needed so that salvation will come to all the nations. That’s the best reason to seek and offer God’s blessings. Is the Psalmist’s desire for all nations to experience God’s joy, justice, and guidance our desire? The Psalmist says the God of all the universe is also his God. What a bold but true statement. Again, the Psalmist closes the Psalm by stating why God blesses us: “So that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.”

For those reading this study guide, receive this blessing: 

GOD BE GRACIOUS TO US AND BLESS US, AND CAUSE YOUR FACE TO SHINE UPON US.