Now listen, daughter, pay attention, and forget about your past. Put behind you every attachment to the familiar, even those who once were close to you! For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness. Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord!
Psalms 45:10-11 TPT
This passage reminds us of the devotion to Jesus that the Church, His bride, is called to uphold. Jesus, our Bridegroom, desires our complete love and devotion to Jesus, unshared by anything else. So, as a part of the Church, our personal devotion to Jesus is essential in fostering this intimate relationship.
In this passage, I see Jesus as the Bridegroom and the Church as His bride, which aligns with various biblical references (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Matthew 9:15, John 3:29, Matthew 25:1-13). Therefore, as a member of the Church, I too am part of this bride. Therefore, this passage speaks directly to me, just as it speaks to the Church as a whole. What God says to one, He says to all, and this message is no exception.
The first important phrase I would like us to consider is the urgent call to listen. In the busyness of life, this command holds significant weight. It’s as if God is telling us to pause, stop all distractions, and focus entirely on His voice. The word now is crucial here. It marks a pivotal moment that requires immediate attention, signalling that what follows is not only timely but essential for our spiritual walk.
Next, the instruction to “pay attention and forget about your past” is a profound reminder that my past should not obstruct my present or future. God has brought me into a new now, a place where my loyalty and devotion must belong entirely to Him. Therefore, I must severe every attachment to my former way of life—whether relationships, habits, or mindsets, especially those that could jeopardise my relationship with Jesus. This includes, most importantly, my old self—my sinful nature. Nothing of the old me should remain in this new relationship with Christ. I must let go of my attachment to the self, for it has no place in this new union with Jesus.
Furthermore, the passage also portrays the Lord Jesus, my Bridegroom, as being ravished by my beauty. This isn’t a superficial beauty but one rooted in my devotion and love for Him. He longs for all of me, and I cannot afford to share my heart with anyone or anything else. Nothing must hinder my devotion to Jesus. He alone deserves my undivided affection, loyalty, and worship. To Him, I must be a faithful and devoted bride.
In summary, this passage invites us to reflect deeply on our relationship with Jesus and our devotion to Him. It calls us to sever ties with the past, let go of the old self, and commit fully to Christ. In doing so, we honour Him as our Bridegroom, who desires our undivided attention and devotion. We must embrace this divine relationship with unwavering devotion, knowing that Jesus values and loves us completely. May we continue to bow in reverence before Him, always mindful of the great love He has for us.