The Sacred Journey: God's Relentless Pursuit of Our Affection

by Brian Simmons

To some, the Song of Songs is a simple love story of a man and a maiden. But for those with enlightened hearts, it becomes the key that unlocks the treasure chest of God’s divine love. No other portion of Scripture has such power to reveal the journey of those longing to know Jesus like the Song of Songs, Solomon’s great prophetic epic that Jesus himself sings over you. The Holy Spirit has hidden within the Song of Songs an amazing journey. Unlock this mystery as you read The Sacred Journey, a verse-by-verse commentary on the Song of Songs that will lead every hungry soul to discover God’s fiery heart of love.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Lara Rezapour · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is literally the worst book I have read this year. This book incorrectly depicts Jesus and misquotes the Bible to prove the author's point. The translation used in this book is faulty (and also written by the authors). All around a terrible read and a waste of time.

[Michael Heidle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine inspirational daily devotional in the OT series of the Passion Translation

This is another book in the continuing series of daily devotions books based on old Testament books/characters using The Passion Translation, written by Brian Simmons. Of the books in this series currently available this is the last one I have read and I can say the daily devotions in this books are longer and much more allegorical than the others. I am not a can of extreme allegory, hence this is certainly not my favorite in the series. (note: the entire series had too much all ego fixation for me.) Nevertheless, I appreciated many insights offers and the inspiration that guided the devotions. Overall recommended (just set aside a little extra time for it).

[Lauren]

"The earliest records of church history reveal that the fathers of our faith wholeheartedly believed that the Song of Songs is in the middle of our Bible as a literary "Holy of Holies," with the highest theme found in all of God's word. The highest theme is...the sacred journey into the fiery passion of the love of God."

In The Sacred Journey: God's Relentless Pursuit of Our Affection by Brian and Candice Simmons, the authors analyze the Song of Songs from the Bible and connect it to Jesus and his love for humanity. Simmons and Simmons posit that the story in the Song of Songs of a king and his bride is actually an extended metaphor for Jesus and the selfless love he bears towards people who follow Him. There are over 30 chapters in this book of analysis, breaking down the various parts of the Song of Songs and connecting them to Simmons and Simmons' interpretation of Jesus's love. Sometimes Simmons and Simmons use historical context from the Bible in their analysis, somethings they investigate symbolism used in the book, connecting the Song of Songs to various parts of the Gospel to prove a connection to Jesus. They quote extensively from the Song of Songs, as well as other parts of the Bible, and end each chapter with a prayer to help the reader reflect on their relationship with Jesus, and the hope of developing more intimacy and closeness with God.

One of my wonderful friends from church gave me this book, suggesting it as a great way to understand the love God and Jesus has for us, and how special it is. Though this book typically is not something I would read, I did enjoy it from a perspective about learning more about how God sees his people, and as a literature teacher I also thought it was interesting to study someone's analysis of a classic poem such as a the Song of Songs. Some of the analyzations and conclusions the author makes about the text were not what I would make looking at the source material, but then again, I have a limited theological background and partial knowledge about the Bible. Regardless, the sentiment about God and Jesus loving others intensely and loyally, just as they love Him, was a nice though and helped me reflect on the intimacy of my own relationship with religion and God. This book has inspired me to try to sit down and read the Song of Songs in its entirety and see if I can look at it from a new perspective now that I have read an analysis of it. If anyone is looking for an interesting interpretation of a classic book in the Bible, or seeking to understand a close, passionate relationship with God, I recommend The Sacred Journey by Brian and Candice Simmons.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was an amazing experience. It is a thorough interpretation of the Song of Solomon (Songs). While it is easy for the lay reader to believe that it is about a romantic love, the truth is much deeper and spiritual than that. Remember, Solomon the Wise was a poet. Poets cannot always be taken literally as they use a lot of metaphors and symbolism. Such is the case with Song of Solomon (Songs). King Solomon wasn't speaking about a romantic love. He was speaking about the love that Jesus has for us and how wonderful and beautiful a relationship with him is. Dr. Simmons goes chapter by chapter showing the journey of the Shulamite. It was absolutely gorgeous. As I read this, I found myself constantly wondering "what happens next to the Shulamite." Understanding the real message behind King Solomon's work made the journey so much more meaningful.
I chose this book to use for my Lenten devotional and I couldn't have made a better choice. And the fact that today is Good Friday makes it all so much more bittersweet. It really details just how much God loves us and how our own spiritual journey can be just as beautiful and wonderful. I highly recommend this book.

[Nancy L Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be savored, read slowly, taken in then read again. You sink into the Fathers love, He surrounds you, you can’t help but feel His presence. This book is amazing. Reading it along with the Passion Translation for Song of Solomon, wow! I highly recommend this book, it will change how you see God, the Son and the Holy Spirit and how you see yourself. Especially how you see yourself. Probably the best book I have ever read. How he breaks down the scriptures to be understood and yet not taking away from them is wonderful. This is how God meant for us to understand His word.

[Jane Maison-Scott]

First problem of this book is the Author used an NIV version of the Scriptures to make a case for what he was writing, so I decided not to waste time reading it however I skimmed through a few pages and what he was saying but it didn’t set right with me, if not blasphemous in light of the already faulty Scripture and a misuse of of what the King James Scriptures teach. The author uses a term called ‘spirit kisses’ and that ‘we should wish for God to smother us with them till we can’t take it anymore. After that I put it down. I don’t recommend this book to anybody.

[Freyjah Fey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite enlightening. I read it slowly, thoughtfully and prayerfully.
It was even more enriching by reading it along with the corresponding devotional, “Divine Romance” also by Brian Simmons. The two books complemented each other when followed verse by verse. It made for great journaling and deeper prayer time because it was thought provoking about the love of God toward me. A subject I neither understood nor gave much thought. I had always focused on love toward God. This changed my perspective and balanced out my understanding of how my love for God and His love toward me is a continual exchange. I feel spiritually more grounded after reading this book and the devotional. My confidence in the love of God toward me has increased my love for Him. Amazing how powerful the wisdom of Gods love has made a difference in my relationship with The Lord.

[April McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through this book on knowing God’s passionate pursuit of me and His amazing love for me. It was an eye opener from a perspective that I have never seen before. The author’s did a great job at helping me to see the intimacy of the bride and bridegroom from a poetic point of view. I would recommend to read slowly for anyone seeking to know God on another level. I would also recommend reading through the Songs of Solomon simultaneously!

[Marta Trout · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot finish this. I've read 22 chapters, comparing The Passion translation, which this book is based on, with my Bible. I believe The Passion is unscriptural. I do believe the Song of Solomon gives us a picture of Christ's love for us, however, I believe the authors took huge liberties with their interpretation based on their translation (paraphrase).

[Chuck Ammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible book about intimacy with God - both His love for us IN the journey and what the process of surrendering, trusting and truly giving yourself to Him looks like. Highly recommended!

[Shawn Bair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, eloquent, and anointed

What a powerful expression of God's passionate love for us! Beautiful and eloquent explanation of Song of Songs. Excellent identity nuggets. Must read

[Rebecca McIntire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard book for me. I only finished because I had paid for it and had to do with the word. I did agree with some key points. This book is one that God is calling you to read. It was a recommendation on someone’s list. That is why I purchased it. I would not recommend.

[Aaron Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is excellent such a beautiful journey of a christian. Comes through as a massive metaphor of a bride and her husband.

[Andrea E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good, but I liked the Song of Songs the Journey of the Bride Study Guide better.

[Sherilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I am persuaded differently on some theological points, this book was a beautiful description of the love Christ has for his bride the church.

[Ginger Smith Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book, it was a hard read and It just didn’t land right. It seemed over complicated and redundant in its explanation and way of going through the scripture.

[Jessica Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sacred Journey is a wonderful breakdown of the Song of Solomon. It often spoke to exactly where I was in my pilgrimage with God. It lit a fire of passion in my intimate walk with Christ and helped me to understand greater dimensions of His heart. It's a book of romance with God, so be prepared to do more than just hold hands with Him and say I love you. More than likely He'll sweep you off your feet and leave you blushing with His intense affection for you.

[Robert Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intimacy with Jesus

This study of the Song of Solomon in the passion translation was the most amazing journey I've had in my life. The intimacy of allowing His drawing me into Himself is just what I wanted to happen. I am leaping on the mountains with Him.