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Women in Discipleship (sm)
Devotionals for 2005
Week 8
Seasons of the year reflect the seasons of life to me. I wonder how different it would be if I lived in the southern hemisphere where winter and summer are opposite to what I know. For example, in South America fall occurs during our spring. The weather is different, and the customs are often different. This holds a similarity to the Scripture that I'd like to share with you this week.
Scripture to ponder: Psalm 45:6-7 - "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows."
This verse from Psalm 45 is quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9. The text was originally written for a wedding and is a song of love. It is believed that in the Davidic kingdom this song was used for a wedding of the king. After the exile, priests used it as a messianic text. In a way it's like the spring text became a fall text. What began as a song for the king's wedding turned into a Psalm for the "wedding" of Jesus in His future Kingdom. "Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above You companions." (Heb. 2:9b) The author of Hebrews placed this King above all kingdoms and dominions. Isn't it wonderful to think about the eternal kingdom of God and our part in it?
For those of us who follow the church calendar, Easter is a time when we turn our thoughts to the "rest of the story." Jesus came to earth as a baby, then He grew up as a righteous man who took upon Himself the sins of the world.
For me, the end of winter and the beginning of spring bring the remembrance of the joy (gladness of heart) that Jesus offers to everyone who will recognize their sin and need for a Savior. Peace and hope come from the Bridegroom of our hearts. Good Friday, Resurrection Day, and Christ's return are great things to ponder, don't you think?
Have a glad heart this week as you reflect upon the wedding to come when Jesus returns for His bride, the Church!
Sandra Davis for the Women in Discipleship team
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