I love royal weddings. There is something regal, romantic, and beautiful about such unions. I was excited to create this painting based on a royal wedding, and I was inspired to paint it on Valentine’s Day—which made it feel even more romantic!
On Valentine’s Day, I was casually reading through the book of Psalms when I reached Psalm 45. I have read this chapter many times before, but I had always breezed through it without giving it much thought. This time, however, it was different. The Holy Spirit revealed things I wasn’t aware of before. Most of my paintings are based on such divine revelations. I have not been to seminary to understand the Bible; instead, I rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal things to me so I can understand His Word. He is always faithful to teach me at a pace that is perfect for my growth.
As I began reading Psalm 45, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit tangibly. My soul rejoiced and overflowed with praise. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and powerful the words were. It was a unique and special experience; my heart raced with a divine joy that I couldn’t explain. That joy was compelling and moved me with passion. It wasn’t passive but urged me to action. As I continued reading, I recognized how this Psalm in the Old Testament pointed toward the “Wedding of the Lamb” in the New Testament. I knew I had to paint it, and I couldn’t rest until I did.
This painting is a visual expression of Psalm 45. The chapter starts with the words: “Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.” (Psalm 45:1). That is exactly how I felt—only I was using a brush instead of a pen.
As we read along, we see the King and His wedding. This King is unlike any other. He is the most handsome, and gracious words stream from His lips. He defends truth, humility, and justice. He loves justice and hates evil, and God Himself has anointed Him with the oil of gladness. This doesn’t sound like an earthly king whose kingdom is established by force and power. This King is different: graceful and just.
His queen, the bride, is beautiful. She wears jewelry of the finest gold—gold from Ophir—and looks glorious in her golden crown. Her bridesmaids are royalty too, leading her in a glorious procession to the King. My favorite line in the poem is: “For your royal husband delights in your beauty;” – Psalms 45:11
How lovely is that?
Is it just another royal wedding, or is there more to the story? Through the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the King of Kings and also the Bridegroom. His bride is the Church. Not just your church or my church, but the global Church—one body unified through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the Bridegroom, delights in His bride even now. The bride hasn’t yet been perfected; we often see the stains and wrinkles in her wedding garment. We also see that the bride doesn’t always display “bride-like” qualities. Yet, every person who believes in the finished work of Christ makes up that bride. We are the Church.
Individually, we are also the bridesmaids belonging to the royal court. Our job is to be a good bridesmaid. A bridesmaid’s duty is to care for the bride and help her be the best version of herself in preparation for the wedding day. We fluff her dress, straighten her crown, help her put on her jewels, and lead her to her Bridegroom, who waits eagerly to wed her.
As bridesmaids, are we doing that, or are we hindering the bride from becoming her best self? Are our hearts ready for the Wedding Day of the Lamb? Our Royal Husband is ready, but the bride is not yet. Will we quicken the arrival of that day with our own readiness?
I chose to photograph this painting with elements from my own wedding day: my veil, tiara, and wedding bands. They symbolically point to the wedding to come. The red rose is there to remind us that our Royal Husband delights over His bride. His love remains hopeful for the day of the wedding.
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