Do you ever read the Bible and just get sucked in? I mean the words draw you in so intensely your eyes race across the page in almost competition with your brain to see the next verse. It’s as if God is speaking and if you stop reading you may lose the very words of life. It happens and usually when I need Him the greatest.
My second thought today is how much I love a wedding. To see all the fairytale decorations, little boys and girls dressed like royalty, and all the sweet surprises along the way. Will the bride giggle or the groom cry? I want to see the cake, collect the favors, and sign the book. And then there is the bride and her glorious dress. It’s as close to Cinderella as most young girls will ever be. There are very few things more beautiful than a blushing bride and that handsome man waiting for her when the music starts. And the music…oh me….pass a tissue, please. Seriously, weddings could only be more fun if I could attend in my sweat pants.
So today, I combine them. I read a passage of scripture recently that has rolled over and over in my mind until I’m about to burst. It’s a wedding song written for Solomon. I’m not sure which wife this might have been…but never mind, to me it’s a song that only Jesus deserves and His church, His lovely bride.
(I paraphrased it so that I would be forced to read and glean every word. I hope you don’t mind. For sure, read the real, non-Suellyn, version too. Psalm 45.)
There He stands, so handsome that no man compares.
His words so gracious and kind, they pour easily from His strong lips.
God's blessing evident on Him and will remain constant throughout His life and then eternity.
Oh Mighty Warrior, strap on your sword.
Ride out in absolute conquering victory!
Your cause is not coercion but truth;
A battle cry not of pride, but for the humble;
Defending those treated unjustly.
Lead great Savior and perform your deeds, while we stand speechless in awe.
The sword is not Your only weapon, you hurl sharp arrows piercing the hearts of your enemy.
His horde now trembles at your sight.
Even strong nations fall at your feet.
Your Authority does not fade. Millennia to millennia declare your kingship.
Your righteous subjects do not fear your scepter, for it is always just.
You love right living and you hate evil, to the same degree.
You are drenched in God's anointing;
This oil of joy that separates you from the rest.
You smell good too. Each robe you wear sporting a manly scent.
And what makes you happy? I saw you tapping your toe to a nicely plucked tune.
People always gather around you; that "desired" crowd that desires you.
Princesses are in your attendance but your queen stands by your side.
And now in verse 10, the song turns our attention to the Queen. That’s you and me, the Bride of Christ, and the words just melt me.
Listen to me Daughter of God. Don't miss this:
Forget your family and all your past identifications, good and bad.
Just be still and let the King enjoy your beauty.
There is no need for a resume or trophy case. He just thrills looking at you.
Give him a place of preeminence.
After all, He is your Master.
As His bride you will wear the vibrant gowns of another land.
Those called wealthy will want your opinion.
Dazzling in your home, you wear a dress embroidered with pure gold.
In this heavenly robe you will be led to your King.
And you're not alone in the procession.
You'll bring friends with you to the kingdom.
This is no solemn entrance, no hush tones or timid meeting.
You come in with laughter and shrills of joy.
The King throws open His door. Love and joy abound.
Now go and read the NIV or KJV or whatever version you prefer of Psalm 45 to see for yourself. The love between these two makes the Hallmark Channel look like puppy love. He is the Zenith of grooms and He declares her beauty enthralling. He is perfect in authority and she is bubbling with laughter as she comes to Him. It is truly a marriage made in Heaven.
So I would invite you, as I have, to read these words and imagine the pageantry of the wedding. Imagine yourself the bride, catching the eye of your Groom as you walk down the aisle. You are sure that no one has ever loved you like this and you are right. The dress is gorgeous, the palace is flawless, your friends are there; but it’s Him that makes your heart beat faster.
My favorite part: “Let the king be enthralled by your beauty” (vs. 11). Listen, I’m just a bit past my beauty prime. Haha. Whenever that was! I am comfortable with my reflexion but I’m positive “my beauty” is not enthralling. EXCEPT to Him. He doesn’t lie after all. So, the King finds His bride enthralling. Just “Let the King be enthralled…”. He made you and finds you absolutely beautiful. And to all my fellow doers, notice it wasn’t her achievements, to do list, accomplishments or the committees she chaired. It was her beauty; the very thing for which she can’t take any credit at all. I’m pretty sure it’s not the hair color, salon nails, and pretty pink lipstick that he adores anyways. It’s you.
If you are not certain of your place in this surreal scene the last chapter of the last book of the Bible gives us an invitation to the wedding. After Jesus describes some of the wonders of Heaven, Jesus promises His return with the rewards in hand. This is the response:
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17
You see the Holy Spirit awaits His return. The Bride of Christ, the church, longs for His coming. The invitation is to those who hear…may you say to the Lord, Come! And then the scripture plays on the word and says that if you are thirsty for life with Him then you come. You COME and if you wish take the free gift of LIFE! Just when you thought you would watch the wedding from afar, you became the bride! If you accept this invitation, CONGRATULATIONS! I can’t wait to see you at the wedding.
