Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / OT 14
Devotional
Water From the Well
Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Object:
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.
-- Psalm 45:17
Psalm 45 is a love song for the king. In Christian symbolism, Jesus is our Lord and king, and the church is the bride of Christ. Reflecting on the psalm in these terms allows it to transcend its immediate historical context. The psalm becomes God's love song for Christ and Christ's bride, the church, that is called on to emulate her Lord's grace, truth, and love of righteousness. Beginning in verse 10, the church is invited to leave behind the values of the world from which she has come and submit to her Lord. "... Forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him." If the church does that, the world will see the church as a source of blessing (v. 12). Like a bride decked in royalty, the church is led to her king (vv. 13-14). "With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king" (v. 15). In an era when the church seems consumed with how to attract new members, it is important to hear God's promise of how the church will increase. If the church is faithful to Christ, God will cause it to bear children who will serve the world. "In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons; you will make them princes in all the earth." When Christians choose to be servants of Christ and therefore servants of the world, all generations will celebrate this bride of Christ and praise her forever (v. 17). To hear the power of this psalm for the church, substitute the church for the bride and Christ for the king. "Hear, O [church], consider and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house, and (Christ) will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him."
-- Psalm 45:17
Psalm 45 is a love song for the king. In Christian symbolism, Jesus is our Lord and king, and the church is the bride of Christ. Reflecting on the psalm in these terms allows it to transcend its immediate historical context. The psalm becomes God's love song for Christ and Christ's bride, the church, that is called on to emulate her Lord's grace, truth, and love of righteousness. Beginning in verse 10, the church is invited to leave behind the values of the world from which she has come and submit to her Lord. "... Forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him." If the church does that, the world will see the church as a source of blessing (v. 12). Like a bride decked in royalty, the church is led to her king (vv. 13-14). "With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king" (v. 15). In an era when the church seems consumed with how to attract new members, it is important to hear God's promise of how the church will increase. If the church is faithful to Christ, God will cause it to bear children who will serve the world. "In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons; you will make them princes in all the earth." When Christians choose to be servants of Christ and therefore servants of the world, all generations will celebrate this bride of Christ and praise her forever (v. 17). To hear the power of this psalm for the church, substitute the church for the bride and Christ for the king. "Hear, O [church], consider and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house, and (Christ) will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him."
