In Honor of Valentines Day . . .
Kisses
Do you remember your first kiss? What does a kiss
mean to you?
Kissing does seem to be a favorite form of showing affection. It
also is a form of greeting, as some people welcome each other with a
kiss on the cheek. In some countries they greet each other with a
kiss on both cheeks. It is also a way of saying good-bye.
Kisses are described in many ways. There are hot kisses, sweet
kisses, juicy kisses, sensual kisses, friendly kisses and many other
names have been attached to kisses. Some such as butterfly kisses
and Eskimo kisses are poplar names tagged on to this, one of our
favorite friendly and romantic pastimes.
There was a kiss I don’t remember. There is proof that it occurred
though. I must have been under two years old in the picture. Mom
said I claimed him as my boy friend. We lived in California at the
time. I don’t even remember living in that state, let alone,
remember the little boy or the kiss. Some kisses we remember, others
are a passing moment soon forgotten.
Kissing has been around a long time. In Genesis chapter twenty-seven
Jacob and his mother schemed to fool his father, Isaac into thinking
he was his brother Esau, in order to receive his Fathers blessing.
In (Genesis 28: 26 NIV), it is recorded in Isaac’s words, “Come
here, my son, and kiss me.” That was a kiss of deception Jacob gave
to his Father. There are kisses yet today, given too some, in
different ways that could be categorized as deceptive kisses.
In (Proverbs 24: 26 NIV) It says that “An honest answer is like a
kiss on the lips.” This is a phrase of the wise. Wisdom is sweet, so
too is honesty, as too, is a sincere kiss.
In (Song of Solomon 1: 2 TLB) It says, “Kiss me again and again, for
your love is sweeter than wine.” This is a romantic kiss. God
intended for man and woman, to know the blissfulness of a loving
kiss.
Jesus asked Judas in (Luke 22: 48 NIV), “Judas, are you betraying
the Son of Man with a kiss?” This was a kiss with a variety of
meanings. First it was a kiss of betrayal. It was also a revealing
kiss; as he kissed Jesus, so as to let those who had come for him,
know his identity. Also it was a kiss to prosper Judas who was to
receive money from the chief priest, officers and elders for his
leading them to Jesus. It was also a kiss of shame, as Judas came to
realize, the shame, of that which he did.
(Genesis 31: 28 NIV) tells of the confrontation of Laban and Jacob.
Laban is asking Jacob why he deceived him and carried off his
daughters like captives in war. He is asking why he secretly ran off
instead of letting him send them off with a party. “You didn’t even
let me kiss my grandchildren and daughters good-by.” Yet, in truth,
it was Laban, who had deceived Jacob for years; God and His angels
intervened and the dispute was settled between them. “Early the next
morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed
them.” (Genesis 31: 55 NIV) Oh, what a blessing are the kisses of
our children and grandchildren. That first kiss they give us is a
thrill, yet every kiss, there after settles like a warm fuzzy, in
the corners of our hearts.
The kiss of a sibling is a comfort and joy that ties the bonds
connecting a family, especially if they have been estranged or apart
for some time. In (Genesis 33: 4 NIV) Esau ran to meet his brother
Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed
him. There is nothing quite like the kiss from a relative you have
not seen for some time. God places us in the same family, and He
desires we embrace and love one another. Joseph, too kissed and wept
over the reunion of his brother in (Genesis 45 NIV), and again in
chapter 48 Israel, Josephs Father, in his old age and failing eye
sight kissed and embraced his grandchildren. There is nothing quiet
as endearing as a kiss from a grandfather.
A kiss can also soothe as well. In (Psalms 2: 11-13 NIV) it says,
“Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can
flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” We
all know how a kiss has often appeased, calmed or pacified a mate or
loved one, as we take refuge in their arms. How much more God
embraces us when we go to him with our affection. “Love and
faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each
other.” (Psalm 85:10) What a four way combination that is, no matter
who is involved.
Several places in the Bible it says to greet each other with a kiss
or a holy kiss. In other words we are to greet others and fellow
Christians with sincere brotherly love and affection; with the kind
of love Christ can give us.
“The kisses of an enemy may be profuse,” it tells us in (Proverbs
27: 6) Plentiful sometimes is the sweetness of those who are trying
to butter us up. Also Satan can appear as a syrupy do-gooder; don’t
let him fool you!
Yes, I like most people enjoy a kiss on the cheek from a friend. I
feel loved and appreciated when my husband comes home and gives me a
loving kiss. I Love receiving a kiss from my kids and I delight in
my grandkids planting a sweet kiss on me. I am like every other
normal person, a kiss is a wonderful show of affection and I enjoy
them.
Remember the woman who had lived a sinful life and entered the
Pharisees house where Jesus was having dinner and she washed Jesus
feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair and kissed them,
then poured perfume on them. Jesus forgave her of her sins. This
account is found in (Luke 7: 36-50 NIV) Now - I am not a lover of
feet; I don’t even kiss my husbands feet - But when I get to Heaven,
I hope, I too, can kiss the feet of Jesus!
* Prayer: Thank you, God, for the family and the kisses given me
from their love and affection. Thank you, too, for your word, where
I am taught about the kisses given to you and others, where
Christian love and friendship is demonstrated. Thank you, for loving
me, in Jesus name. Amen
Betty King
www.betty.newsmoose.com