A Special Marriage
Opening Prayer
Father God, on this Lord’s Day, I bow to give You the worship and honor You so richly deserve.
Read PSALM 45:1-17
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song. 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What praise is offered to God here?England’s Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, wrote a poem for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011. This psalm is a similar kind of poem or wedding song. But this is no ordinary wedding song; this is a wedding song for a king (1). And this king is special. He is blessed by God and loves righteousness (2,7). Like the Song of Songs, this psalm has often been seen as an allegory about Christ, yet the plain meaning is about marriage. This wedding was spectacular (8-15), but all weddings have that special dimension, celebrating the importance of the new marriage. Like all marriages, this one had the potential to change the future (16,17). And even royals have to leave their family in order to forge this new relationship (10; compare with Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31)! This psalm also points to Christ. It’s as though in v. 6 the writer gets caught up with the idea that this king’s reign points to the reign of the King. Great though the rule of this king is, it is nothing like the reign of God’s Son. That really is something to look forward to!
Apply
Briefly compose two or three lines of praise to God, your King, perhaps using this psalm as your model.
Closing prayer
O Lord, my King, I look forward to the time when You will reign as King over all the world.
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