Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine. Song of Solomon 1:2
There is just something about a kiss, an intimate expression of affection. I may have many friends and acquaintances, but none of those people get a kiss. Such a display would be inappropriate and uncomfortable at best. No, kisses are reserved for those closest to us. They are reserved for my sons, for my mother and father, for my sisters. That token of love is given to those with whom I do life.
A kiss requires proximity that will seem awkward in the wrong context. An invasion of the recipient’s personal space must take place if a kiss is to be exchanged. When my sons were small, I would bend close to their beds in the evenings to place my face next to theirs. Sometimes I would give the kiss, but sometimes I would receive one instead. In the nearness, our love was whispered in good nights and that sweet demonstration of emotion–a kiss.
Kissing is intentional. I have never accidentally placed a big smooch on anyone. I choose who will receive this most personal display of my affection and I choose when it will be given. To be less selective about whose face I will press my lips would cheapen the emotion I want to share.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” the maiden in this verse of Song of Solomon cried out about her beloved shepherd. I cannot tell you if she deliberated on such a bold request or if it simply came spontaneously from her heart. It was a cry born of passion and filled with confidence. It was an invitation to proximity, a declaration of love. It spoke of intimate relationship and delight.
Is that the sound God hears from your heart? Are you hungry for deeper intimacy and intentional proximity with your beloved Shepherd? Is knowing about Jesus insufficient because your heart burns to know Him in a more intense and personal way?
If so, let me invite you to pray with me:
Father, I love You. I want to know You as fully as any human can. I ask You tonight, let Jesus kiss me with the kisses of His mouth. I ask this intentionally, so I ask You to respond with intentionality. Come close on purpose, Lord. Mountains tremble and hills melt like wax when you come near, so I ask you to change the landscape of my life with Your proximity. You are my delight.
