Day 128

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Our Bridegroom!

Weekly Devotional

May 7— Psalm 45: Here Comes the Bridegroom

Reflection

After seventy years in captivity in Babylonia, 50,000 Jews joyously follow Zerubbabel back to their land to rebuild their temple and their future. Sixty years later Ezra arrives with smaller group to lead the nation. When he uncovers sin among the nation, the people repent, and the stage is set for Nehemiah to come thirteen years later to prepare to rebuild the city walls that lay in ruins. Despite great opposition, the work is begun.

It's exciting to read of the return of the people to their land and their hard work in rebuilding. But it could only happen because God unrelentingly loves his people. He is the Bridegroom, as the sons of Korah describe him in Psalm 45. Praise him today with words of this beautiful psalm of joy.

Christ's Love!

In the old days you could find in the society section of a newspaper a noticeable amount of print, pictures, and fanfare devoted to weddings. Psalm 45 was penned by a poet, who, like a sort of "heaven journalist," was trying to capture in word pictures the glory and splendor of a bride and bridegroom on their wedding day. Only this was no mere earthly wedding. Notice how Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes verses 6-7 of this psalm point to Jesus Christ himself!

In ancient Near Eastern weddings the man was more important than the woman. All the guests gathered to view his apparel and his attendants! And truly the Groom is worth of glory and honor. Notice the description of his virtues: "Your throne, O God, endures forever. Justice is your royal scepter" (v. 6). "You are the fairest of all; your words are filled with grace" (v. 2). With his sword in place to demonstrate strength and justice, and adorned with truth, meekness, and righteousness, the king strikes a majestic pose indeed.

Read verse 17 thoughtfully. Then look for one way you can introduce the next "generation" by word or deed to your King of Kings. Here comes the Groom!

Prayer

Our hearts are overflowing with a beautiful thought, Oh my King—the thought of your love, your guidance, your provision, your care for us. Lord, let our words and our life cause your name to be honored everywhere we go today. In the name of our soon-coming Bridegroom, Jesus Christ! Amen!









© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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