Beloved – Romans 9:25

As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ and her who was not beloved, ‘Beloved.'”

With God there is no cast-off wife, no spouse rejected or betrayed by her husband, no woman jilted by the man who promised to care for her, for the Lord calls her, “Beloved.”

The love the Lord has for those who come to Him is far more wonderful than the love between any mere mortal man and woman, delightful though their love may be.  He sees His beloved as the most striking among women.  To Him, she is altogether beautiful, lovely and gracious, delicate and pure, perfect, for she has no blemish, like a lily among thorns.[1]  He considers her inviting as a clear garden spring, a well of fresh water, desirable, a stream bringing continual refreshment and pleasure.[2]

The Lord protects and shields her.  He spreads His covering over her to declare to the world that she is His own.[3]  He embraces her and lifts her head.[4]  He removes her shame and humiliation, having brought her to Himself as His treasured bride.[5]  He hosts a feast in her honor and declares His love for her, so all might see that He, the Kings of kings, cherishes her.[6]

Jesus fills His beloved with gladness, giving her the desire of her heart for at last she understands that He loves, admires, and highly prizes her, holds her in highest esteem, sees her as precious in His sight.[7]  He washes her with purifying herbs, dresses her in the finest linen, and He crowns her with loving-kindness and compassion.[8]

Jesus loves His bride, and He who is the Prince who rules over all the earth, the One who reigns in majesty and grandeur, calls her by the most pleasing name she can imagine.  He calls her, “His.”[9]

I’ve loved You more than earth’s desire

I’ve loved You more than passion’s fire

I’ve loved You more than glory’s call

I’ve loved You, Lord, above it all

I’ve loved You though my heart would break

When others would betray, forsake

I’ve loved You though I’ve felt alone

I’ve loved You when no love was shown

By any man or any friend

I love You now as I did then

I love You for one thing I know

That through all things,

You’ve loved me so

[1] Song of Solomon 1:8, Song of Solomon 2:2, Song of Solomon 4:7

[2] Song of Solomon 4:15

[3] Ruth 3:9

[4] Song of Solomon 2:6, Psalm 3:3

[5] Isaiah 45:17, Psalm 45:10-15

[6] Song of Solomon 2:4

[7] Psalm 21:2, 6, Isaiah 43:4

[8] Psalm 51:7, Genesis 41:42, Psalm 103:4

[9] Song of Solomon 2:16