X's and O's

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that everyone who pauses here has a lovely day with those who care for them, whether it be human beings here on earth, or the One Who gave all to redeem us. Valentine's Day has evolved into a "day of love," synonymous with chocolates, roses, love letters and Hallmark cards!

We see "X's and O's" everywhere!

We also see kisses in the Bible! I have seen devotionals on this in the past, and I had some thoughts in my own rock-filled head that I would like to share. (Grin)

After all, there are many kinds of kisses. Of course, there's the romantic kiss, but there's also the kiss from aunt Mabel - we usually wriggled away from her. There's the kiss on the cheek for your sibling, the kiss goodnight for your child. I think we should look in the Bible and see if we can learn some principles that will help us in our daily lives.

Ready to dig in?

First we will be spectators for some kisses with negative results. These are the ones that we don't want to imitate.

 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come here, my son, and kiss me.” So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, (Genesis 27:26-27a)

I may be wrong, but I think this is the first kiss in the Bible. Y'all can let me know if this is incorrect. Jacob has been coached by his mother, Rebekah, to trick his father Isaac and receive the best blessing, the firstborn's blessing. Isaac's eyes are failing, but he does say that he's wary about the voice sounding like Jacob, instead of sounding like his firstborn son, Esau. He feels something is amiss. Still, he eats the game and prepares to bless him. This kiss is a token of family affection - it's deceptive on Jacob's part, but on the part of old Isaac, it's a gesture of endearment and love.

Yes, kisses can be deceptive . . . 

Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. (II Samuel 20:9)

The lives of King David's relatives really read like a soap opera, no? Consider the two cousins, Joab and Amasa. As grown men, they each commanded an army: Joab the army of David, and Amasa the army of Absalom. As kids, they probably played in the palace of their uncle, David. 

Joab gave his cousin a diabolical kiss. A kiss with evil intentions. His lips were not far from Amasa's cheek when he slipped the knife into him. Amasa thought he was giving him a sign of trust and companionship. Joab's motives were evil, and caught Amasa by surprise.

We see kisses of idolatry in the Bible, too.

Now they sin more and more;
    they make idols for themselves from their silver,
cleverly fashioned images,
    all of them the work of craftsmen.
It is said of these people,
    “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!”(Hosea 13:2)

In the time of Hosea, the prophet, the people had become completely consumed with idol worship. They would even wear little idols around their necks and kiss the idols to show reverence and honor to them. How foolish! We wouldn't consider bowing our knee to kiss an idol. Would we? 

Idolatry is not dead . . . it just looks different. Today, we have our gods of sports, entertainment, wealth, and power. Believers must be on guard to avoid idolatry, like the faithful ones in Israel:

Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” (I Kings 19:18)

This is when Elijah sought the Lord for refuge, when Jezebel was pursuing him, eager to kill him. Despondent at first, Elijah was encouraged when God told him there were seven thousand who had not kissed the idol, Baal.

Today, let's determine to give our affection, our "kisses" of loyalty and faith, to our Redeemer. Jesus Christ is our Lord, Who redeemed us with His life given in our place. 

Happy Valentine's Day!