DAy 5: Psalm 45-the bridegroom king
REFLECTION
Psalm 45 is a royal psalm celebrating a magnificent king. His majesty, strength, righteousness, and compassion are woven together in a way that no earthly ruler ever truly embodied. Hebrews 1:8-9 teaches us to read this psalm with Christ in view. He is the true Bridegroom King. The One whose beauty, character, and authority awaken love and devotion in His people.
The psalmist describes a king whose throne is eternal (v.6), who loves righteousness and hates wickedness (v.7), and whose presence brings joy beyond measure. These words find their fulfilment not in David or Solomon but in Jesus. John the Baptist understood this when he said, “The friend of the bridegroom rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice” (John 3:29). His joy was complete because Jesus had come.
Discipleship is not sustained by duty alone. Duty may get you started, but love, connection, beauty and grace are what keep you going. Jesus draws His people not by intimidation but by the radiance of His character. The more clearly we see Him in his glorious humility, justice, gentleness and strength, the more our affections awaken.
Psalm 45 calls us to marvel again at the splendour of Christ. To see Him not merely as a teacher or example but as the Bridegroom who loves His people with a love stronger than death. To let that love kindle our obedience and reshape our desires.
GOSPEL READING
John 3:22–30: (NIV)
After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Has your relationship with Jesus become more duty than delight?
What practices or habits help reawaken your heart to the beauty and goodness of Christ?
Where might Jesus be inviting you into a deeper, more intimate love for Him?
PRACTICING SURRENDER
Set aside fifteen minutes for worship. Choose some songs or hymns that lift your affections toward Christ. Afterwards, reflect on how your heart responded. Offer your desires to Him. Ask him to deepen your love for him. Ask the Holy SPirit to fill you with his love.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
