Like Two Lovers (1 Peter 2:2)

1 Peter 2:2 says, "...as babies just born, have a compelling strong desire for the pure; unadulterated milk of their mother's breast, so that they can grow physically and mentally strong, so it is logical, for all who are born of God, to have an addictive passion for the pure; unmixed, sustenance of His word, so that we can grow strong, in our relationship with Him, and bring others into that same relationship." (paraphrase)

DESIRE

The word translated "desire", is probably the most dramatic, and visually expressive, in meaning, for this text. Words are vehicles of vision, and the imagery they convey help to communicate the thoughts and emotions intended by the author. The challenge, when dealing with translating from one language to another, is to not only accurately translate the "word", using the limitations of the new language, but to also translate any cultural significance as well, so that there is full comprehension, by the reader/listener, as there would have been, to those understanding the original language.

WORD PICTURE

Like the original pictographic letters of the Hebrew, visual imagery of a language, transcends culture, to bring to force the multifaceted meaning intended by the author.

The word translated "desire" presents 'the picture of a new-born baby craving it's mother's milk'. In the OT LXX, the imagery is that of 'a deer panting with longing, for the springs of water, that satisfy and quench the thirst', and in the same way, our soul is filled with longing, to be satisfied with God's presence (Ps.42:1). Scripture further compares this longing for God's presence to be like that of gentle birds seeking refuge; care; and protection, for themselves, and their young (Ps. 84:2-3). The word is also used in the LXX of an eagle's protective longing and care for it's young, by fluttering over them and spreading it's wings out to shelter them (Deut.32:11).

PASSIONATE DESIRE

The word is used 9 times in the NT and 10 times in the LXX, to translate various Hebrew texts. The word (epipotheo), is a compound of (epi), an intensifier, and (potheo), meaning 'passionate desire for something or someone'. In the NT, the word always has a positive connotation, that speaks of a longing that will not be satisfied, until it possesses the object of it's affection. It is very easily comparable to the longing of young couples in love, who cannot bear the absence from one another; where every moment together only intensifies the pain of any frequency of time apart. The word "always has this meaning of agony or pain over any separation from what is desired", and "the strong craving and compulsive desire to possess and keep near what is seemingly a necessity of life".

INTENSITY OF AFFECTION

The word vividly portrays, not a mere fanciful attraction to someone or something, but 'a bond that places the highest value and care upon that which is pursued, with an unwillingness to exist or live without it's complete possession'. This is a strong verb, that conveys 'an intensity of affection, that demands satisfaction'. There is almost an addictive dependency that is conveyed, where the pursuer is at such extreme loss without the object of affection, that existence pales in meaning until they embrace what is deemed necessary in their life.

CONTINUOUS PASSION

What is also expressed within the word, is that this intense yearning is not a temporary, fleeting desire, but 'a continuous passion'. It is very emphatic, in the Greek, that this expressive longing can only relieve it's pain of absence by full; complete; and total possession of what is desired. There is a straining after the object, in this intensity of language, where a positive anxiety and dissatisfaction aims at the complete acquisition of what is not yet possessed. The attachment that exists, compels the magnetic attraction to obtain what is not yet realized.

The familiar quote is that, "...absence makes the heart grow fonder..", however, in this powerful word imagery, absence produces the profound regret and loss that drives the longing heart, with tender affection, to pursue and win, the prize of obtaining what is desired, at any cost, because in this strong attachment, life would bear no significance without it. This compelling urge grips the heart in the fervent tenderness of strong emotion, until it finds complete and fulfilling satisfaction.

AFFECTIONATE LONGING

What is most compelling about this word imagery, is that though we can readily identify with this type of descriptive language, as it relates to two passionate lovers, desiring each others presence, the text under discussion relates this detailed portrayal to our need and affectionate longing after God Himself, and His living word spoken into our being. The passion and vital craving of the Word is what is visually illustrated and nothing can compare to the extreme value of its place in our lives.

OVER & ABOVE

What is also significant, is that prefix (epi) provides the intensive quality of strongly desiring God's word, OVER and ABOVE all other attractions. Just as a new born baby has an addictive craving for the pure milk of it's mother, so, we too, OVER and ABOVE all else, are struck with passionate desire for the pure; completely satisfying ; fulfilling, nourishment , of God's word.

If we are to cultivate this, very real, passion of our spirit, it means spending quality time, reading His word; memorizing His word; praying in tongues, over His word; constantly and consistently, courting His word, until, like two lovers, the pain of separation is beyond bearable, and we must make time to quench our thirst and satisfy our compelling desire.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours