Psalm 45

​This psalm can be almost overwhelming in its imagery and in its connections to other Scripture.
 
First there is the image of Jesus as bridegroom, seen as so holy that the description would be embarrassing if said of any other groom. Then we have the Wedding Feast, or Wedding Supper of the Lamb pictured, as also seen in Revelation 19: 7 - 10. Also, we have echoes of the Parable of the Ten Virgins as delivered by Jesus in Matthew 5: 15.
 
What most captures my attention is the description of the bride adorned in “the gold of Ophir.” The bride, of course, is the Church, here seen as dressed in gold, the holy metal of God. Jesus is said (verse 11) to be “enthralled by your beauty,” the beauty of his spotless Church/Bride.
 
Now I just have to look in the mirror to see that we have a problem here. There is nothing about me that Jesus could possibly be enthralled by. Quite the contrary. Yet Scripture clearly states that I, as part of His Church will be clothed with the holiness of God. How am I to understand the difference between what I see and what Scripture states will be?
 
The difference seems to be the difference between sanctification and glorification. During my earthly life the Holy Spirit continues His ongoing work of my sanctification working with all the frailties of my sinful flesh, that is, hindered only by that unknowable dynamic between God’s sovereignty and my free will.
 
At the moment between the Church Age and the Millennial Kingdom, that is, at the Wedding Feast of Jesus with His Church I, along with millions of other believers will be glorified by the Father as He proclaims “I now pronounce you…”
 
Brian

3 Month Reading Plan - Psalm 37