Gloriously Loved by Christ [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:5–7]

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional meditates upon the inseparable union between Christ and His church. Song of Songs 8:5–7 portrays the church as both the source from which Christ was born in the flesh and the eternal object of His unyielding, divine love. Central to this message is the theological truth that God’s love is stronger than death, more enduring than the grave, and utterly unconquerable by any force—neither can floods of wrath overcome it or the wealth of the whole world compare to its value. The church’s glory lies in being both the nurturing womb of Christ’s incarnation and the cherished recipient of His passionate, jealous, and fiery love, which produces in believers a reciprocal love of the same kind for Him.

2026.04.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:5–7

Read Song of Songs 8:5–7

Questions from the Scripture text: From where is the bride coming (Song of Songs 8:5a)? What is she doing (verse 5b)? What had the bride done to the Bridegroom (verse 5c)? Where? What had His mother done there (verse 5d–e)? What does she need/want Him to do with her (Song of Songs 8:6a–b)? To remind her of what about love (verse 6c)? And of what, about zeal (verse 6d–f)? What cannot quench love (Song of Songs 8:7a)? What cannot drown it (verse 7b)? What might a man offer to give for love (verse 7c–d)? What would the response to that be (verse 7e)? 

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the opening portion of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. 

After being charged concerning the bride and Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:4, cf. Song of Songs 6:8), the daughters of Jerusalem are curious to ask about the one concerning whom they were charged (Song of Songs 8:5a–b, cf. Song of Songs 6:9). They see her coming up from the wilderness (Song of Songs 8:5a); they see her being redeemed out of the fruitless, waterless, nutritional place. 

They see her Beloved (Song of Songs 8:5b), the One bringing her out of it all. 

They see her fellowship and intimacy with Him, upon Whom she leans. This is a blessed condition—depending upon Christ through faith!

The question “who is this?” is answered by eavesdropping on their conversation, even as she leans upon Him.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of bringing forth the Bridegroom into the world (Song of Songs 8:5c–e, cf. Revelation 12:2–5). We must value the church as her, through whom the Lord brought Christ into the world, according to His flesh (cf. Song of Songs 8:5), and through whom God ordinarily brings His Son into the lives of His elect.

Who is this (Song of Songs 8:5a)? The one who has the glory of being the display of Christ’s royalty and status to the world. The seal upon the heart (Song of Songs 8:6a) and upon the arm (verse 6b) refers to a jewel, set in a golden pendant from the neck or bracelet upon the arm, would be the public display of His royalty and status. Just as she has wished that she could express her love to Him openly (Song of Songs 8:1), now she requests that He openly would display her as the emblem of His glory. God has exalted Him and made Him head over all things for the church (cf. Ephesians 1:19–23; Colossians 1:15–18). 

Who is this (Song of Songs 8:5a)? The one who has the glory of being the object of Christ’s love, and reciprocator of Christ’s love. 

Love that is stronger than death, and produces in her a love that is also stronger than death. (Song of Songs 8:6c). 

Zeal/jealousy that is more unyielding than the grave, and that produces in her a love that is more unyielding than the grave (verse 6d). 

Love that burns from that which is in YHWH (verse 6e–f). Love that is not diminished by circumstances (Song of Songs 8:7a). 

Love that refuses to be eliminated by wrath (verse 7b). Love so valuable, in and from the Creator, that all creaturely wealth together cannot equal its worth (verse 7c–e). 

Such is the glory of the church. Such is who she is. How greatly we should value her—and her communion with Him!

What impresses you about the church? What impresses you about her intimacy with the Lord Jesus? What things threaten to impress you more? What does this tell you about the extent to which you value Christ’s glory and love?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your glory, and for Your glorious love to the church. Help us love her and value her, and make us to love You with the love that is from You, and for You, in our own hearts, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The Lord’s Foundation” or TPH87A “Zion, Founded on the Mountains” 

How Prayer Heals Despair [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 13]

How can Christians come from despair to delight? Psalm 13 looks forward to the midweek devotional. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can come from despair to delight by laying hold of the Lord’s laying hold of us, in prayer. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds Psalm 13, a portrait of the believer’s spiritual struggle—marked by feelings of divine abandonment, inner turmoil, public humiliation, and the threat of unbelief. Pastor emphasizes that such experiences, though painful, are not necessarily signs of unbelief but may occur in a living relationship with God, where the believer’s deepest anguish arises not from circumstances alone, but from losing the sense of God’s favor and presence. In prayer, the believer lays hold of God’s character, His covenant faithfulness, and the certainty of His ultimate provision. Through prayer, the soul is renewed, not because circumstances change immediately, but by God Himself laying hold of the believer, and giving the believer to lay hold of Him.

2026.04.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 13

Read Psalm 13

Questions from the Scripture text: To whom is this Psalm addressed (superscript)? When/where, then, is the Psalm to be used? Whose Psalm was it? What question do Psalm 13:1–2 ask? How many times? What had his recent experience been like (Psalm 13:1)? What has he been doing, in this condition (Psalm 13:2a–b)? What has his enemy been doing (verse 2c)? What two things does he ask YHWH to do with his prayer (Psalm 13:3a)? What does he call YHWH? What does he ask YHWH to do to him himself (verse 3b)? To prevent what, with reference to himself (verse 3c)? And to prevent what, with reference to his enemies—what might they say (Psalm 13:4a–b), and how might they respond (verse 4c)? Of what disposition is this prayer an action (Psalm 13:5a)? What is he certain will occur, and how will he then respond (verse 5b)? How will he act upon this joy (Psalm 13:6a)? Unto Whom? Why (verse 6b)? 

How can Christians come from despair to delight? Psalm 13 looks forward to the midweek devotional. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can come from despair to delight by laying hold of the Lord’s laying hold of us, in prayer.

From Despair (Psalm 13:1-2). There are four things deeply troubling David here, and he begins with the most difficult for him: the idea that YHWH might not be thinking of him as He acts (Psalm 13:1a). For someone like David, the fact that the Lord is always acting in his behalf, and always turning His face upon him in grace, is an infinite source of strength and gladness. Some who profess Christianity have little thought of the Lord; it would not distress them to think that the Lord as unmindful of them. But such cannot enjoy the comfort that this Psalm has to offer. The one who is not distressed to lack the sense of God’s smile (Psalm 13:1b) will not find much help from the reality of His love in Christ.

David’s second problem is his own internal turmoil (Psalm 13:2a–b). Faith is more troubled by its own internal weakness and sin than it is about the fact that it is sinned against. The word translated “counsel” actually has the primary sense of turmoil or revolt. He is crying out to God on account of how his own soul keeps responding to the circumstance. Weak faith ought to cry out to God for more faith.

His third and fourth problems are both found in the line, “how long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Yes, there is the problem of personal humiliation. But the greater problem for the king (or for us as a royal priesthood) is that the Lord Himself is being despised in whatever is done to His anointed. To David, God’s honor in the kingdom was more important than himself. And for us also, the honor of Christ in the treatment of Christians should be more important than personal offense against ourselves. If it is, this will help us be mindful of how we treat other believers too.

Through Prayer (Psalm 13:3-4). Whatever their circumstances, believers always have the Lord. David clings to this, saying “my God” in Psalm 13:3a. He asks not for a change of circumstances but for the light to come into his eyes (verse 3b), which is the same as to request a change of heart (cf. Psalm 13:2a–b). Having the ear of heaven (Psalm 13:3a) and the compassion of God concerning our death (verse 3c) is something that we grab onto, when we pray. Even if we seem to be on the verge of death, and the enemy seem to be on the verge of victory (Psalm 13:4), what is that to someone who has the ear and heart of heaven? 

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (cf. Romans 8:31). “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35). “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37–39). This is what David clings to by praying. How many believers, by neglect of prayer, do not enjoy His reassurance that they always have His ear and love.

To Delight (Psalm 13:5-6). Circumstances have not changed in the few seconds between Psalm 13:1 and Psalm 13:5. But David’s heart has. He has trusted in God’s steadfast/covenant love (verse 5a). His heart, which was full of turmoil (Psalm 13:2a) and sorrow (verse 2b) is now rejoicing in YHWH’s salvation. So, as frequently happens for the believer, prayer turns into praise (Psalm 13:6a). YHWH has dwelt bountifully with David in past events. YHWH has dwelt bountifully with him in the present, giving him to lay hold of His ear and love by prayer. And YHWH has dwelt bountifully with him in the future, of which David is now sure, even though it hasn’t happened yet. This is true for you, dear suffering believer. And even for you, dear distressed and mistrusting believer. Come to Him in prayer; lay hold of His hearing you and loving you. And remember, on your knees, and in your songs, that He did not spare Christ, but gave Him up for you—together with all things (cf. Romans 8:32).

What distressing circumstances are you in? What distress do you find in your heart? What are your prayer habits like? How are your prayers laying hold of God’s hearing you and loving you? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, we often lose the sense of Your caring for us and smiling upon us. And, we often have turmoil and sorrow in our hearts. Thank You for giving prayer to us, by which we may lay hold of Your hearing us and loving us. Please meet us, in our prayers, by Your Spirit. Assure us of Your love. Remind us of Your giving Christ for us, so that we may remember that You surely give us all things together with Him. And make us to sing Your praise, for You have dealt bountifully with us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP13 “How Long Will You Forget Me, Lord” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us” 

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The End of Affliction [Family Worship lesson in Nahum 1:12–2:2]

What determines the course of history? Nahum 1:12–2:2 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the course of history is determined by God’s decree to save unto His glory. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds a divine dual message through Nahum’s prophecy: to Judah, a promise of deliverance and restoration (affirming that God’s decree ends both foreign oppression and personal affliction), while to Nineveh, a pronouncement of complete and irreversible judgment, erasing its name and idols as a testament to the supremacy of YHWH. The ultimate aim of God’s redemptive plan is the glory of His Israel. The passage culminates in a vision of God’s eternal purpose: to gather a people who, having been emptied, are filled with His glory and live in faithful obedience and worship. This is the end of enemies and the end of affliction.

2026.04.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Nahum 1:12–2:2

Read Nahum 1:12–2:2

Questions from the Scripture text: Who is speaking in Nahum 1:12a? What is the condition of Nineveh (verse 12b)? What will happen to them (verse 12c)? When (verse 12d)? What has YHWH done to Judah (verse 12e)? What will He do (verse 12f)? What will YHWH do (Nahum 1:13)? When? What has YHWH done, concerning Nineveh (Nahum 1:14a)? What is this command (verse 14b)? Where will He judge them (verse 14c)? By doing what to whom (verse 14d)? What will He do to them (verse 14e)? Why (verse 14f)? What command does Nahum 1:15a give? What are they to behold (verse 15b)? Whose feet? What does He proclaim in these good tidings (verse 15c)? Whom does verse 15d address? What two things does He say to do (verse 15d–e)? What will no longer hinder this (verse 15f)? Why not (verse 15g)? But what is the current circumstance (Nahum 2:1a)? What four things do verse 1b–e say to do? What truth will strengthen them thus—what will YHWH do (Nahum 2:2a–b)?  Why do they need to be restored (verse 2c–d)? 

What determines the course of history? Nahum 1:12–2:2 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the course of history is determined by God’s decree to save unto His glory.  

2 Peter 2:9 says that “the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.” Nahum has said as much, already, in Nahum 1:3 and Nahum 1:7-8. Now, the pace and switching of the passage before us brings out how the Lord does both of these things at once. Nahum 1:12-13 address Judah, Nahum 1:14 addresses Nineveh, Nahum 1:15 address Judah, Nahum 2:1 addresses Nineveh, and Nahum 2:2 talks about Judah. The Lord simultaneously warns Nineveh and comforts Judah.

There is an end to enemies, and an end to chastening (Nahum 1:12-13). The Lord doesn’t need Assyria to decline; He is great in power (cf. Nahum 1:2). Everything occurs by His decree (Nahum 1:12a, Nahum 1:14a), so Assyria being in its complete and numerous condition (Nahum 1:12b) is no challenge. The enemy will shave them clean/mow them down (Nahum 1:12c), when he passes through (verse 12d). The verb for “cut down” implies completely cleaning him out. Enemies will only remain so long as they serve a purpose. That purpose was discipline/chastening. The Lord was afflicting them (verse 12e), but there was a set amount of that affliction determined, and when it was completed, it would be completely ended (verse 12f). The complete destruction of Assyria is for the purpose of liberating Judah from his oppression (Nahum 1:13). Whatever enmity God’s people might face, and whatever affliction God’s people might be under, it is for their ultimate good.

God’s sovereign providence does not excuse or diminish sin (Nahum 1:14, Nahum 2:1). Again, YHWH emphasizes the certainty and determination that comes from His decree (Nahum 1:14a). Nineveh’s name will be extinguished (verse 14b). YHWH will bury it (verse 14e). This actually occurred in history; within a hundred years of its destruction, Nineveh was heard from no more. It was literally buried until archaeologists began to dig it up in the nineteenth century. Though Assyria was horrifically brutal, it is not their brutality that the Lord targets here. It is their idolatry. He will cut the idols out of Nineveh’s idol temples. This would have been quite the operation, since the Assyrians raided the idol temples of those whom they defeated, and filled their own temples with the paraphernalia. Assyria thought they (and their gods) were so great, but God opposes the proud and brings them low. His final word in Nahum 1:14 is humiliating: worthless. Assyria is light.

Though YHWH had used them to afflict His people (Nahum 1:12), Assyria is not excused by that. They don’t get any sort of pass. The Lord is going to humiliate them with their lack of significance by burying them. When the Lord sends them the scatterer (Nahum 2:1a), all of the efforts of Nineveh at its full strength (Nahum 2:1b–e) will be useless.

A cause for worship (Nahum 1:15). What Isaiah had already prophesied about God’s returning Judah from Babylon (Nahum 1:15, cf. Isaiah 52:7), Nahum also says now about deliverance from the oppression of Assyria (which, historically, will come first). It is cause for worship that we are saved. But it is all the more cause for worship that the Lord sends messengers to us with the announcement of that salvation! What He had done previously through Isaiah, and through Nahum, the Lord would ultimately do by His Son (cf. Hebrews 1:1–2), Who Himself addresses His elect through preachers whom He sends (cf. Romans 10:13–17). 

When Judah hears this proclamation of peace (Nahum 1:15c), they are to be ready to respond with public worship: the keeping of the feasts that the Lord has prescribed for their worship (verse 15d), and the making (and keeping) of vows to Him in that worship (verse 15e), to do all that He has commanded them.

Even though Judah have continued to act like a heel-grabber (Jacob, Nahum 2:2a), the Lord has given them a new identity that depends upon His almighty power: “God wrestles” (“Israel,” verse 2b). YHWH’s decree, YHWH’s Word, YHWH’s election will be satisfied: He will bring them into the excellence of Israel. Since Judah have been  ravaged (as exemplified most by their destroyed vines), YHWH will display His glory by restoring them. And they (and we!) will worship Him. Forever.

What enemies do you have? How long will they last? What afflictions do you have? How long will they last? How has God used you for good? What sin have you committed along the way? What must be done to/about it? How has the Lord delivered you? How has the Lord restored you? How have you responded with God’s appointed worship? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You, Who work all things according to the counsel of Your will. Thank You for the faithfulness in which You have afflicted us—even by the hands of enemies. Forgive us, for how we have continued to be like Jacob, and restore us to the excellence of Israel. Send to us those who proclaim Your peace, and make us to respond with Your appointed worship, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP119I “According to Your Word, O LORD” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

Safe-keeping the Heart [2026.04.01 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 23:12–24:2]

The Lord has appointed His Word as His means, parents as servants, in salvation.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Gloriously Loved by Christ [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 8:5–7]

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional meditates upon the inseparable union between Christ and His church. Song of Songs 8:5–7 portrays the church as both the source from which Christ was born in the flesh and the eternal object of His unyielding, divine love. Central to this message is the theological truth that God’s love is stronger than death, more enduring than the grave, and utterly unconquerable by any force—neither can floods of wrath overcome it or the wealth of the whole world compare to its value. The church’s glory lies in being both the nurturing womb of Christ’s incarnation and the cherished recipient of His passionate, jealous, and fiery love, which produces in believers a reciprocal love of the same kind for Him.

2026.04.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 8:5–7

Read Song of Songs 8:5–7

Questions from the Scripture text: From where is the bride coming (Song of Songs 8:5a)? What is she doing (verse 5b)? What had the bride done to the Bridegroom (verse 5c)? Where? What had His mother done there (verse 5d–e)? What does she need/want Him to do with her (Song of Songs 8:6a–b)? To remind her of what about love (verse 6c)? And of what, about zeal (verse 6d–f)? What cannot quench love (Song of Songs 8:7a)? What cannot drown it (verse 7b)? What might a man offer to give for love (verse 7c–d)? What would the response to that be (verse 7e)?

Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. 

After being charged concerning the bride and Bridegroom (Song of Songs 8:4, cf. Song of Songs 6:8), the daughters of Jerusalem are curious to ask about the one concerning whom they were charged (Song of Songs 8:5a–b, cf. Song of Songs 6:9). They see her coming up from the wilderness; they see her being redeemed out of the fruitless, waterless, nutritional place. They see her Beloved, the One bringing her out of it all. They see her fellowship and intimacy with Him, upon Whom she leans. The question, “who is this?,” is answered by eavesdropping on their conversation, even as she leans upon Him.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of bringing forth the Bridegroom into the world (Song of Songs 8:5c–e, cf. Revelation 12:2–5). We must value the church as her, through whom the Lord brought Christ into the world, according to His flesh (cf. Song of Songs 8:5), and through whom God ordinarily brings His Son into the lives of His elect.

Who is this? The one who has the glory of being the display of Christ’s royalty and status to the world. The seal upon the heart (Song of Songs 8:6a) and upon the arm (verse 6b) refers to a jewel, set in a golden pendant from the neck or bracelet upon the arm, would be the public display of His royalty and status. Just as she has wished that she could express her love to Him openly (Song of Songs 8:1), now she requests that He openly would display her as the emblem of His glory. God has exalted Him and made Him head over all things for the church (cf. Ephesians 1:19–23; Colossians 1:15–18). 

Who is this? The one who has the glory of being the object of Christ’s love, and reciprocator of Christ’s love. Love that is stronger than death, and produces in her a love that is also stronger than death. (Song of Songs 8:6c). Zeal/jealousy that is more unyielding than the grave, and that produces in her a love that is more unyielding than the grave (verse 6d). Love that burns from that which is in YHWH (verse 6e–f). Love that is not diminished by circumstances (Song of Songs 8:7a). Love that refuses to be eliminated by wrath (verse 7b). Love so valuable, in and from the Creator, that all creaturely wealth together cannot equal its worth (verse 7c–e). 

Such is the glory of the church. Such is who she is. How greatly we should value her—and her communion with Him!

What impresses you about the church? What impresses you about her intimacy with the Lord Jesus? What things threaten to impress you more? What does this tell you about the extent to which you value Christ’s glory and love?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your glory, and for Your glorious love to the church. Help us love her and value her, and make us to love You with the love that is from You, and for You, in our own hearts, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The LORD’s Foundation” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”