Morning Devotion – July 22
“I am married unto you.”
— Jeremiah 3:14
Christ Jesus is joined unto his people in marriage-union. In love he espoused his Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage. Full of burning affection he toiled, like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase-money had been paid, and now, having sought her by his Spirit, and brought her to know and love him, he awaits the glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at the marriage-supper of the Lamb.
Not yet hath the glorious Bridegroom presented his betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven; not yet hath she actually entered upon the enjoyment of her dignities as his wife and queen: she is as yet a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in the tents of Kedar; but she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus, dear to his heart, precious in his sight, written on his hands, and united with his person.
On earth he exercises towards her all the affectionate offices of Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants, pays all her debts, allows her to assume his name, and to share in all his wealth. Nor will he ever act otherwise to her. The word divorce he will never mention, for “He hateth putting away.” Death must sever the conjugal tie between the most loving mortals, but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage.
In heaven they marry not, but are as the angels of God; yet there is this one marvellous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and his Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials. This affinity as it is more lasting, so is it more near than earthly wedlock. Let the love of husband be never so pure and fervent, it is but a faint picture of the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus. Passing all human union is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for which Christ left his Father, and became one flesh with her.
Evening Devotion – July 22
“Behold the man!”
— John 19:5
If there be one place where our Lord Jesus most fully becomes the joy and comfort of his people, it is where he plunged deepest into the depths of woe. Come hither, gracious souls, and behold the man in the garden of Gethsemane; behold his heart so brimming with love that he cannot hold it in—so full of sorrow that it must find a vent. Behold the bloody sweat as it distils from every pore of his body, and falls upon the ground. Behold the man as they drive the nails into his hands and feet.
Look up, repenting sinners, and see the sorrowful image of your suffering Lord. Mark him, as the ruby drops stand on the thorn-crown, and adorn with priceless gems the diadem of the King of Misery. Behold the man when all his bones are out of joint, and he is poured out like water and brought into the dust of death; God hath forsaken him, and hell compasseth him about.
Behold and see, was there ever sorrow like unto his sorrow that is done unto him? All ye that pass by draw near and look upon this spectacle of grief, unique, unparalleled, a wonder to men and angels, a prodigy unmatched. Behold the Emperor of Woe who had no equal or rival in his agonies! Gaze upon him, ye mourners, for if there be not consolation in a crucified Christ there is no joy in earth or heaven.
If in the ransom price of his blood there be not hope, ye harps of heaven, there is no joy in you, and the right hand of God shall know no pleasures for evermore. We have only to sit more continually at the cross foot to be less troubled with our doubts and woes. We have but to see his sorrows, and our sorrows we shall be ashamed to mention. We have but to gaze into his wounds and heal our own. If we would live aright it must be by the contemplation of his death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering his humiliation and his sorrow.
💭 Reflection
The morning reminds us of the unbreakable covenant love of Christ, who has taken us as His bride and will never cast us off. His covenant is not based on our worthiness but on His redeeming work and steadfast love. Even now, though the Church remains in a fallen world, she is secure in her betrothal. The union we share with Christ is not merely figurative—it is spiritual and eternal, sustained by the power of the Spirit and sealed by the blood of the Lamb.
In the evening devotion, we are called to behold our Savior's passion. His suffering is not only a substitution for sinners but a revelation of the depth of divine justice and mercy. The horror of Gethsemane and Golgotha remind us that sin is not light, and grace is not cheap. Christ bore the wrath due to His people, satisfying the Father's righteous demands while extending mercy to the unworthy. Let every believer find hope and assurance in the crucified and risen Christ—our eternal Husband and Redeemer.
🙏 Prayer
Lord Jesus, Bridegroom of our souls, we thank You for loving us with an everlasting love. Your covenant cannot be broken, Your promises cannot fail. In our trials, help us to remember Your unchanging commitment. And as we behold You, crucified for our sins, may our hearts be melted with repentance and joy. Teach us to find our rest in Your finished work and to long for the day when the marriage supper will be complete. Keep us faithful as we wait, and anchor our hope in You alone. Amen.
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