Lovely

The word “lovely” is often used as an expletive: “Mom, we’re out of tea” … Lovely;  “Dear, the washing machine isn’t draining” … Lovely;  “Property taxes are due soon” … Lovely.  Really, now, tell me what’s lovely about any of this!

Does the word “lovely” come to mind when you consider Christ?  Solomon writes, “His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable.” (Song of Solomon 5:16) The Hebrew word “desirable” translates precious, valuable, treasure, a delight, and yes – lovely.  Oh, how we have failed to grasp the exceeding beauty of our Savior.  We comprehend loveliness because we travel thousands of miles to admire nature’s beauty, create beautiful homes and yards, go to great efforts to improve our own beauty.  Whiles there’s nothing wrong with that, we easily look past and over the supreme loveliness of our Beloved One.  Perhaps this intense desire for beauty is [in reality] the deep yearning of the soul for The Beautiful One, placed there by God Himself.  This might explain the psalmist’s longing for God’s presence all the days of his life “to behold the beauty of the Lord.” (27:4)  Spurgeon suggests, “Surely the people of God can fully justify the use of this golden word, for He is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsic excellence of His person, the complete perfection of His charms.”  What lovely thoughts are you having?  Oh, that lovely isn’t a picture or a thing or a place but rather a Person: the Person of Jesus Christ.  Now, that’s Lovely!