A beautiful one.

Psalm 45.

And we are going, the Lord willing, to journey through it in the next few days. It only has seventeen verses.

The thing that makes it so lovely is its grand theme. It's a Wedding Psalm! It celebrates a Groom, and a Bride!

If we look at it symbolically, the Groom is our dear Lord. And the Bride, the Church!

The title given to the Psalm, in its superscript, uses the word "Shoshannim." It means, in Hebrew, a "lily." That beautiful little flower!

But at its root, the word means "to rejoice, to be glad."

There is delight and happiness in this Psalm, a love story has occurred!

Also in the title is "Maschil," a Hebrew noun meaning "a poem to think about, to contemplate." And even that is derived from the word for "wisdom," spelled "sakal."

This Psalm will teach us wisdom!

We won't be long into this study, and one fact will become evident. It's about Jesus!

Truly, it's more about the Groom than it's about the Bride!

Be sure and join us tomorrow.

Then we shall study verse 1, and meet the King!

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

It's a royal wedding!

                                                                             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2, VERSE 1:

It's poetry, of course.

But it's beautiful!

I'm speaking of Psalm 45:1.

If ever a verse of Scripture created interest in what follows, in the remaining sixteen verses, this one does.

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer." Psalm 45:1

The verb "is inditing" translates "rachash" in Hebrew. It means "to keep moving." Or even "to stir!" One writer compared this to the "bubbling" of a fresh fountain of water!

The Psalmist's heart is pulsating with joy!

Alive with the very glory of God!

Beating with anticipation!

Excitement over God's Word!

But of course you can't keep something this good down in your heart!

You must talk!

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak ..."

Can't help it!

But notice his Topic!

"I speak of the things which I have made touching the king." That King is the Lord God Almighty!

In Bible typology, it is the Lord Jesus Christ!

The Groom!

At the wedding!

The particular word for "pen" describes something moving fast too! He is inspired! Waiting to write!

"My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

The word "ready" also hints at speed. "Mahiyr" means "quick, prompt, diligent," as well as "hasting."

The noun "writer" is "saphar," translated as "scribe" fifty times in the King James Bible.

The Psalmist David knows good things are coming!

Indeed they are.

Wouldn't it be great if every time we expected God to speak to us, we would have this kind of "eager" attitude?

"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer." Psalm 45:1

Wow!

                                                                             --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3, VERSE 2:

It's a perfect description of the Bridegroom.

The Lord Jesus as our Bridegroom that is.

"Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever." Psalm 45:2

The verb "art fairer" is spelled "yaphah" in Hebrew. It means "to be bright, beautiful or handsome."

The Song of Solomon says of Jesus, "altogether lovely!"

No one can compare to Him!

And if He has saved your soul, answered your prayers, given you peace, proved Himself to be all the Bible claims ... you agree!

He is Special!

Unique!

Awesome!

Now that we have, through this verse, seen Him, let's listen to Him! Let's hear Him.

And immediately we learn that "Grace" has been "poured" into His lips! The Psalmist says to Jesus: "Grace is poured into thy lips."

The noun "grace" is "chen," meaning "pleasantness, favour, elegance, charm, preciousness." From "chanan," a verb meaning "to show mercy or kindness."

Jesus' words are sweet!

The verb "poured" means "overflowing!" Spelled "yatzsaq," it implies "cast in metal," that is, a "permanent" situation!

For all of eternity Jesus will be "kind!"

No bad moods!

No difficult days!

Even tempered!

Perfect!

This is amazing!

And since Jesus is so lovely.

Since He speaks such gracious words.

No wonder our verse then proclaims: "Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever."

The verb "hath blessed" translates "barak," meaning "to salute, to praise, to congratulate." God the Father did "praise" His Son several times while Jesus was on earth. Listen to this one, at Jesus' baptism: "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17

That's praise all right!

"Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever."

"For ever," in other words, "without ending."

By the way, this last clause is so helpful to those Christians who might be "suffering" right now.

God has blessed Jesus for ever!

And this was written three thousand years ago!

That means every minute Jesus was on earth, through all His problems and difficulties and heartaches, even including the Cross of Calvary, there was some sense in which Jesus retained the "blessings" of God!

Blessed of God ... even while being hated by the world!

Blessed of God ... though dead in the tomb!

Blessed of God ... though falsely accused by His enemies!

Think about that!

"Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever."

 Wow!

Can a person be "sick or poor or discouraged" ... and still be blessed of God!

If he or she is saved, truly born-again, I say YES!

On the way to Heaven!

Filled with the Holy Spirit!

Sins all washed away!

That's "blessed," indeed!

No matter what's happening "around" you!

Now, today's whole verse: "Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever." Psalm 45:2

The Psalmist talking to the Lord Jesus!

And this I call "worship!"

Today tell your Saviour how very "lovely" He is to you!

And thank Him for His "kind" words!

Join God the Father and "bless" the Lord Jesus right now!

He is worthy of such adoration!

That's for sure.

                                                                          --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4, VERSES 3-5:

Not only is the Hero of Psalm 45 a wonderful Bridegroom, but also a King! Then, too, He is a Warrior!

"Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee." Psalm 45:3-5

Often in the Bible there is some kind of connection between wonder and worship and warfare!

Here's an example. "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand." Psalm 149:7, first comes praise and worship ... then a battle cry!

The Name or Title for the Lord used here, "O most Mighty," is "gibbor." It means "chief, champion, giant, valiant one!" That's our God, indeed!

A synonym for "glory" is "vigor," that's "strength or manhood," by the old set of definitions.

"Majesty" is "splendor" at times, too.

"Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty." These are words of encouragement to the advancing Lord, with Jesus being primarily in view. Jesus, our Saviour!

He's coming back some day, to do battle with the devil!

Then Jesus is urged to "ride prosperously." Word for word it says: "And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things." This is verse four.

"Ride" is on occasion translated "horseback" in Scripture, three times anyway. Reminds me of Revelation 19:11. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

Wow!

"Truth and meekness and righteousness" are just expressions of the King's character. What He is! Who He is!

He cannot lie. He is Truth!

He cannot be vain or self-conceited. He is Meekness!

And He cannot do wrong. He is righteousness!

His "right Hand" always speaks of power and strength. And during that Second Coming of His, when He literally returns to earth, He will do "terrible" things! "Yare" means "fearful things." Like ending the Battle of Armageddon, judging the rebellious nations of earth, binding the devil for a while! And establishing His Kingdom!

Next, verse five, the battle is engaged! "Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee."

I did not realize this Psalm was so full of conflict!

Jesus, at war!

Exodus 15:1 comes to mind. "The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name." Yes, He is!

Jesus, shooting arrows!

And hitting the targets, too!

Isaiah 63:1-3 has Him returning from this future conflict. "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment."

The enemy must be subdued before the Bride can march!

For, in reality, the enemy hates the Bride!

And no Groom can tolerate that!

Sounds like Jesus is going to be victorious, doesn't it?

Soon, beginning at the middle of the Psalm, verse nine or so, we meet the Bride, the Queen, the special Lady of the hour. But until then, it's all about the Man, the Groom, the Lord Himself!

And that's just fine with us Believers!

Jesus in first place!

Jesus given prominence!

Jesus, the Lord!

                                                                          --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, VERSES 6-8:

Today the King, about to be married, is described in some detail. He is, most fundamental Bible teachers believe, a Picture of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad." Psalm 45:6-8

The One to be married is addressed as "O God." He is said also to possess a "kingdom." He is described as loving "righteousness" and equally hating  "wickedness."

As a result of these traits, God the Father has "anointed" His Son with "gladness." More than any other person ever!

And, as if to emphasize His dignity and esteem, He wears clothing that is fragrant, a rarity in those ancient days! And another characteristic of royalty, too!

Each of these facts can be analyzed and preached.

Each is a point over which we can adore and worship our great God!

An unending kingdom!

A firm Leader who shows no partiality, tolerates no wrongdoing, upholds justice. Not the "supreme court" kind we have known for years, either. No "twisted" verdicts here.

The verb "anointed" is "mashach," related to our word "Messiah!"

The "oil" is a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God.

And Heaven, the perceived Home of our Lord Jesus, is called a Place of "Ivory Palaces!"

A Heaven that's filled with, Song-of-Solomon style, lavish smells of pleasantry. Aroma therapy, it would be called today, but currently all one word, "aromatherapy."

I would label this Man, this Person, the Lord Himself, the Perfect Bridegroom!

Now, beginning tomorrow, let's meet her!

The Bride!

We're going to a Wedding, the wedding of all weddings!

And it may be sooner than we think!

                                                                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, VERSE 9:

Everyone in America knows the music.

It is played the very moment the Bride begins to enter the Church, at the actual beginning of the Wedding.

In fact, "Here comes the Bride," those are its first words.

Well, today in Psalm 45:9 we have a similar scene. And I can almost hear the "sound," too!

"Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir."

One Preacher calls the first half of Psalm 45 "His Majesty." And then the last half, "Her Majesty!"

That alone is strange to American ears!

The Groom is emphasized first?

Eight verses' worth?

Only then do we learn anything about the Bride?

Yes, but This Groom is none Other than the Lord Jesus Christ!

He must have the preeminence!

Jesus first ... then the Church, the Bride, in due time!

Another thing, usually for us the "Bride" has the attendants, the lady attendants anyway.

Here "He" has them!

"Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir."

This can only be addressed to the King, the Groom, the Lord!

He is in control!

And not a single Christian objects, either!

A Person's "right hand" is the place of honor.

Anyone standing there, or sitting there, has been highly approved, publicly acclaimed as significant and valuable.

And there she is!  "Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir," records the Psalmist.

No wedding "march" is noted here either.

She is present ... because of Him!

Notice too, she is called a "Queen!"

Old ex-sinners like you and me ... part of a royal gathering!

In a mansion!

Associated with gold!

Standing by the greatest Bridegroom Who ever lived!

The Prototype of all grooms!

Wow!

I can't wait to see what's coming next!

What else has the Lord done for His Bride?

What's prepared for her?

How is she described?

Well, you will just have to come back tomorrow!

There are some pretty good comments, just for her, that are about to be made.

Let's just keep in mind, she is who she is, glorious and beautiful and precious ... ALL BECAUSE OF HIS FAVOR AND HIS GRACE AND HIS LOVE!

And that's how we are going to reach Heaven, too!

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Amen!

                                                                               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Are you going to be at the Wedding?

LESSON 7, VERSES 10-11:

Everything in the Psalm reminds you of a wedding!

But here both parties, Groom and Bride, are royalty!

They follow a number of our well-known customs, too. Or maybe I should say we follow a number of theirs!

For example, of her it is said: "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house. So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Psalm 45:10-11

"Hearken" is "shama," just "to hear or listen intently." Even "to obey" at times.

"Consider" employs "raah," that is "to look at something with understanding, with perception."

"To incline" one's ear is "natah," meaning "to stretch it out!" That's picturesque!

"Forget" translates "shakach," sometimes "to allow to wither!" Also it can mean "to ignore."

This is the Bride "forsaking all others," and "living only unto Him," her new Husband!

We today call this move "separating" from the old life, "consecrating" ourselves unto the Lord, our Bridegroom.

And apparently, a "separated" Bride is a "beautiful" Bride, to the Lord anyway!

Read it again: "Forget also thine own people, and thy father's house. So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty."

Wow!

"Greatly desire" is "avah," a strong word meaning "to lust, to covet, to be greedy" even!

Wow again!

He more we love Him, the prettier He thinks we are!

Then today's passage closes: "He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him."

Sarah once called Abraham "lord." So says 1st Peter 3:6. We should be glad to call our Groom "Lord," but with a capital "L" this time! "Adon" in Hebrew often means "master or owner."

The verb "worship" means "to bow down, to stoop, to reverence." It's spelled "shachah." This one is expressed as a command, too!

We are marrying our great God!

This is a "type" or symbol or picture of Christ and the Church of course. Paul uses this metaphor later in the New Testament, places like Ephesians chapter five.

Think about these things today, and love Him as you do so! "Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house. So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." Psalm 45:10-11

                                                                                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, VERSE 12:

Even down to "gifts" for the Bride!

Psalm 45 does not omit a thing!

"And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour." Psalm 45:12

The people of Tyre, they are Gentiles even!

This reminds me of the time when the Jews left Egypt, back in the days of Moses. The Egyptians "unloaded" on them!  Yes, Exodus 3:22 uses the verb "borrow," but still the native Egyptians were willing to give, to give freely! "But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters." Of course, the Israelites had labored for hundreds of years, absolutely "free" of charge, too!

God always provides for His people!

One way or another.

But Psalm 45:12 is not illustrating generosity for the "needy," rather gifts for the "honorable!" "And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour."

This is her day, the Bride's.

And to gain her favour, is a wise move!

The noun used here is "paniym," her "face," her "smile," in other words. Everyone would want to be "on the good side" of the Bride, who is also the Queen!

The Lord knows that on the earth the Church has certainly suffered! Mercilessly at times!

Yet, the day is coming when all that will be over!

She will be lavishly treated by even the nations of the world, the good nations anyway.

Think of it!

Gifts for the Bride, for the Church!

A Bride who will, no doubt, be herself giving gifts to the Groom!

To the Lord Jesus Christ!

And, to Him, the greatest gift of all is for the Bride to give Him herself!

"I am Thine, O Lord!"

"Take me and use me, for Thy Glory!"

"Thou hast bought me with thy Blood on Calvary!"

"I shall love Thee forever!"

Wow!

This is a Psalm of love!

There are bright days ahead for the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, us born-again Believers!

Saved!

What a great condition to enjoy!

"And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour." Psalm 45:12

"A gift," from Tyre!

Yet we all know, as James  taught us: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Thank you, Lord!

Amen!

                                                                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9, VERSES 13-14:

"What did she wear?"

Asking abut the Bride is a common wedding pastime.

Everyone wants to know about her appearance.

Even John, in Revelation 19:7-8, describes her this way! "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

She wore "white," made of "fine linen!"

But we are studying Psalm 45. What does it say about her garments?

"The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee." Psalm 45:13-14

First, notice she is pretty "within" herself!

Outer beauty may or may not last.

Obviously this lady is described two ways in this Psalm, both as a Bride and a Queen! Her Father was a King. And now, her Husband, too!

The adjective "glorious" is "kebuddah," meaning "abundantly, stately, impressively."

And "within" translates "peniymah," which means "toward the face." Better yet, "facing oneself," looking inward.

"Wrought" means "plaited or woven."

And often in Scripture "gold" represents "deity," thus having her symbolically "wearing" the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:27 uses this very word picture, "putting on" the Lord as one does a garment.

"Raiment of needlework" employs one Hebrew word, "riqmah." It can  mean "embroidered." It more often means "of mixed colors." Variegated!

Sounds beautiful!

She is well dressed!

Ready for the wedding!

But, one more thing.

She has attendants! "The virgins her companions that follow her," they are mentioned too.

She has attracted others!

This is a symbol of what we'd call "soul-winning!"

Notice that all of them are going to see the King! They too will "be brought unto the Lord!"

What a procession!

One day we shall live it, too!

"The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee." Psalm 45:13-14

Does that make you feel honored, Christian friend?

It should, indeed!

And humble!

And grateful!

Part of His Bride!

And whereas in weddings today, the Bride or her family must provide the gown ... not so here!

Even her clothing is a gift ... from Him!

Clothed in His Righteousness!

Here's Isaiah 61:10. Read it and rejoice! "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

Wow!

                                                                         --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, VERSE 15:

Any wedding should be happy!

And the one described in Psalm 45 is no exception!

It's a royal wedding, too.

The bridesmaids, her friends, are being described in some detail.

"The virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto Thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace." Psalm 45:14-15

The implication is that the bride is going to bring others with her!

They are "virgins," too.

This noun is "bethulah," carrying the traditional meaning of "virgin," the old-fashioned meaning.

The appositive "companions" is related to the standard Hebrew word for "friend," spelled "rea." Friends of the bride!

"The virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto Thee.

Notice that they do not go ahead of the bride, they follow her. "Achar" means "to come behind."

And where is the procession going?

Need we even ask?

"Unto Thee," meaning "to the King, to the Groom, to the Lord Jesus Himself!" After all, He is the Center of attention in this wedding!

And what is their attitude, what spirit engulfs them?

"With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace."

"Gladness" translates "simchah," basically meaning "merriment."

While "rejoicing" uses "giyl," a much more graphic word, meaning "to spin around and around!"

And where are they going?

To the "house" the King has prepared for her!

"They shall enter into the king's palace."

Every man wants to provide a home for his bride.

Jesus is no exception.

And, I guess this is the place to say it, they will forevermore be together!

Never separated.

Who are these "companions?"

Different ideas prevail.

The most common is that they are saints of other ages, not having been saved during the "Church Age."

Old Testament "Christians."

Maybe even "Tribulation Era" Followers of Jesus, likely slain for their faith.

Whoever they are specifically, they are having a wonderful time!

What a wedding it's going to be!

The Marriage of the Lamb!

                                                                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 11, VERSE 16:

The Psalmist is talking to the Bride, at the greatest wedding of all time!

"Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." Psalm 45:16

There is here a shift of emphasis.

The older generation, the "fathers" as they would have been known, will no longer receive all the attention. Instead, the Bride is going to have children! And they will some day sit upon thrones!

The Bride being given a family!

"Thy children," she is plainly told!

When this concept is spiritualized, we have the Church, the real Bride of Christ, giving birth to little ones!

That's the equivalent of souls being saved!

The Bride of Christ while yet on earth is to be involved in winning the lost to Jesus!

Witnessing and testifying and pointing people to the Saviour!

One wise Preacher commented that the first clause of the verse, "Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children," applies to the age in which we now live. The age of grace! The Church age! The time when we can win souls!

Then, the second clause, "Whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth,"applies to the coming age, to the millennium! To the kingdom age of Jesus Christ!

That's when they will be "princes!"

This is Revelation 1:6 being fulfilled! "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Yes!

Are you bringing anyone to Heaven?

Have you pointed someone to Jesus?

Do you have any spiritual children?

A fruitful Bride!

Praise the Lord!

                                                                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12, VERSE 17:

The last verse of Psalm 45 is perhaps the most glorious one of all!

For the Bride anyway.

"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." Psalm 45:17

Contextually these words are being addressed to the Bride. Also known as the Queen, back in verse nine.

She is here a picture or symbol of the New Testament Church!

And if there has ever been a "they lived happily every after" story, this is it! For sure!

Read our verse again. "I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." Psalm 45:17

"To make to be remembered" translates one Hebrew verb, "zakar," to cause people "to think, to meditate, to pay attention to, to mention or talk about, to commemorate" a person or thing!

The Church, honored for all generations!

For evermore!

From Great Grandfather to Grandfather to Father to Son to Grandson to Great Grandson! 

And this "remembrance" of the Church is good, not bad!

"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." Psalm 45:17 

It evokes "praise," the great word "yadah," which pictures someone "throwing heavenward" loads of thanks and honor and worship!

"For ever and ever" combine "olam" and "ad," meaning respectively "to the vanishing point" and "a condition which never ceases, never ends!"

Without limit!

This world has celebrated Barak Obama for months.

It has talked about Michael Jackson for years.

And Marilyn Monroe for decades.

And people have now admired Abraham Lincoln for centuries.

But none can compare, politicians or singers or movie stars or former Presidents, to the future glory that awaits the Bride of Christ!

"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." Psalm 45:17  

So promises the Lord God Almighty!

Are you part of that Church?

Have you been saved by the Grace of God?

Has the Lord incorporated you into His Bride?

When Jesus comes back again, Paul tells us that He "will be admired by all them that believe!" 2nd Thessalonians 1:10

But it appears that the Lord also intends His Wife, His Spouse, His Church to be admired as well!

Trophies of His Grace!

Dear friend, ex-sinner, child of God, recipient of His Mercy, Blood-washed Believer ... that's what you are, an "example" of what God can do with one trusting, submissive heart!

On "display" for eternity!

"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7

Or this one. "That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ." Ephesians 1:12, for all eternity!

Like any grateful and Husband, thrilled with His new Bride, Jesus will as much as say, "There she is!"

"Rejoice in her awesome glory and beauty and radiance!"

Why, goodness, half of the Song of Solomon tells what the Groom says about the Bride!

And Jesus knows those verses, too!

Wow!

No more will the Church suffer belittlement and shame!

No more will she be called irrelevant!

No more will be be ignored by so-called "parachurch" organizations!

She will be Queen!

Wife of the Lamb!

Beauty of the ages!

The very Bride of Christ!

"I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." Psalm 45:17   

Wow!

                                                                        --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 13, CONCLUSION:

The entire Psalm consists of seventeen verses, all centering on two people. A King Who is also a Groom! And a regal Bride, too!

It's a celebration of a Wedding, Psalm 45.