PSALM 45
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
When it comes to grand occasions, it’s hard to beat a royal wedding. Think of the royal wedding of William and Kate. Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers from nations all over the globe gathered to be part of the ceremony. Thousands of people lined the streets to join the celebrations. Hundreds of millions of viewers from all around the world tuned in their TV sets to also catch a glimpse of the occasion. Yet that royal wedding pales into insignificance compared to the one Psalm 45 looks forward to.
Who is the groom of this wedding? Who is this all-conquering king who brings many sons and daughters to glory? As the Book of Hebrews celebrates the majesty of Jesus, the writer quotes verses 6 and 7 of this Psalm (Hebrews 1:8-9) He celebrates that Jesus has brought many sons and daughters to glory (Hebrews 2:10).
Jesus is the king of Psalm 45. Jesus is the groom of Psalm 45. The picture of the royal wedding of Psalm 45 is fulfilled in the royal wedding of Jesus. The Book of Revelation completes this picture for us. A vast multitude from every nation on earth will gather for this ultimate of royal weddings. They will gather for this royal wedding, not just as guests, but as the bride of Jesus – made pure and perfect by his blood. “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9).
You’re invited to this ultimate wedding, to be loved by Jesus forever. Your friends are invited. Your family is invited. Every person you will meet today is invited. The invitation is the gospel of Jesus. You will carry this invitation everywhere you go today and tomorrow. You can hold out that invitation by speaking about Jesus, the king who died to bring many sons and daughters to glory.
Head: What have you learnt about Jesus from Psalm 45? What have you learnt about yourself?
Heart: How does it make you feel that you are invited to the ultimate royal wedding?
Hands: Think about the people you will speak to today and tomorrow. How can you ready yourself to extend this invitation to them?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus is the ultimate king, the ultimate groom in the ultimate royal wedding. Thank you that he has made me ready for an eternal relationship with him through his death on the cross, purifying me of sin and clothing me with righteousness. As I wonder at this blessed invitation, please make me a blessing in the lives of others, as I hold this invitation out to them. Help me to provide this hope in Christ to those who are especially fearful, lonely or frustrated now. In Jesus’ Name Amen.
