Ahh, LOVE. For quite some time now, the phenomenon of love locks has been noted in many parts of Europe, Asia, South America, and Canada. The symbolism of permanent, binding affection and regard is an attractive one. The principle is that two lovers will engrave or paint their initials on the lock and then affix it to a public structure such as a fence, gate, or railing of a bridge; a public display of your undying love.

It’s easy enough to see why love sealed with a lock instead of a kiss would be more permanent (theoretically).  A kiss can also mean other things beside love and romance. It can be a simple greeting, as in many parts of the world. A kiss, as we all know, can also be false. It was a kiss, remember, that Judas used to betray Jesus. “Sealed With A Kiss” doesn’t sound as romantic now, does it?

Spouses have for many years been disparaged with the term “the old ball and chain”. There is, of course, some truth to this phrase, although not for the reason many people think. When two people marry, they are making a decision similar to entering a room with someone, and locking the door. No one can leave and no one else can enter. This situation sounds very claustrophobic to some people. They’d rather not make the commitment. They don’t want to be chained to someone for the rest of their lives. The idea of being locked in scares them and makes them want to escape.

Of course, marriage is supposed to be a choice. By your own free-will and consent, you are entering this room and locking yourself in, because you couldn’t stand the idea of someone else taking them away from you. By your own choice, you are binding yourself to this person permanently, because you love them and want them to be a permanent part of your life.

When God speaks of love, He uses very permanent terms as well. By HIS choice, He is entering a room with us and locking Himself in and throwing away the key. He does not want out of this relationship, although we are not bound in any way. This unspeakable wonder, the sheer incredulity of this love He holds for us should send us down on our faces in awe. We should be captivated by the besotted Most High who moons over us. His love for you is such that if YOU were the only person who had ever lived, He still would have gone to the cross just for you. His pleasure in our creation culminates in His longing to be loved by us in return. Because of His bountiful nature, the fact that love is WHO God is, He dotes on the pinnacle of His creation, you.

Place me like a seal over your heart,
    like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
    its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
    like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
    rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give
    all the wealth of one’s house for love,
    itwould be utterly scorned. Song of Songs 8: 6-7

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