Hands up anyone interested in sex? A question often asked by the much loved Christian communicator, Adrian Plass. It is one of his signature lines. The time that I heard him use it, one person put their hand up. Adrian commented that he hoped they found another similarly interested person at some point! We are of course reluctant to publically show an interest in sex in case we are perceived as inappropriate, rude or smutty. Such things are, of course, a real danger, but generations have had their right and Godly desire to enjoy sexual intimacy with their marriage partner thwarted by a culture (in the church and elsewhere) that does not allow adults to discuss an important part of their lives and to grow in it. Writers such as our own Sheila Bridge the author of ‘Who stole your sex life?’ (Kingsway 2007) have sought to redress the situation.
Christians seek to redress the situation with good reason. They have a scriptural warrant to do so. As I said on Monday, the Bible is full of poetry and for sexual and romantic poetry the Song of Songs is the place to look. This extended poem is a wonderful celebration of a man and a woman’s love for each other. The imagery is a little alien to us as we are not surrounded by the same things. If I was to tell my wife that her belly was like a heap of wheat encircled with lilies (7v2) she would be surprised by my choice of metaphor, but this needn’t put you off. Like with all poetic works, the more you read it and swim in it, the more sense it begins to make. The prayerful shared reading of this book by a couple has certainly been known to help mend damaged marriages.
So get your Bible out and take a read of the Song of Songs, perhaps with your husband or wife. Remember that whether married or single, the relationship that God wants with you is just as deep as that between a husband and a wife.
For prayer… Thank God that he made love in all of its aspects to be enjoyed, celebrated and respected.
John Martin-Jones
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