Psalm of the Day: Psalm 64
Wisdom for the Day: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:33-39
We should observe, secondly, in these verses the name by which our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of Himself. Twice He calls Himself "the Bridegroom." The name "bridegroom," like every name applied to our Lord in the Bible, is full of instruction.
It is a name particularly comforting and encouraging to all true Christians. It teaches the deep and tender love with which Jesus regards all sinners who believe in Him. Weak, and unworthy, and short-coming as they are in themselves, He feels towards them a tender affection, even as a husband does towards his wife.
The name "bridegroom," teaches the close and intimate union which exists between Jesus and believers. It is something far nearer than the union of king and subject, master and servant, teacher and scholar, shepherd and sheep. It is the closest of all unions — the union of husband and wife, the union of which it is written, "what God has joined together let no man put asunder."
Above all, the name teaches that entire participation of all that Jesus is and has which is the privilege of every believer. Just as the husband gives to his wife his name, makes her partaker of his property, home, and dignity, and undertakes all her debts and liabilities so does Christ deal with all true Christians. He takes on Himself all their sins. He declares that they are a part of Himself, and that he who hurts them hurts Him. He gives them, even in this world, such good things as surpass man's understanding. And He promises that in the next world, they shall sit with Him on His throne, and never leave His presence forever.
If we know anything of true and saving religion, then let us often rest our souls on this name and office of Christ. Let us remember daily, that the weakest of Christ's people are cared for with a tender care that surpasses knowledge and that whoever hurts them, is hurting the apple of Christ's eye.
In this world we may be poor and contemptible, and laughed at because of our religion. But if we have saving faith then we are precious in the sight of Christ. The Bridegroom of our soul will one day plead our cause before the whole world!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of the Bride of Christ.
Action Plan: If the church is the Bride, how does this change your behavior on the daily basis? Is your Christianity focused on what you can get away with, or living up to to the reputation of the Groom, Jesus Christ?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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