Time for a Wedding
Opening Prayer
Lord, You know the best way through life for me, and I want to know and follow it. Lead me, I pray.
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 upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. [4] In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display 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, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. [11] The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. [12] The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men 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 and are brought to you. [15] They are 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 Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Who is the subject of this psalm?Have you ever been invited to a “destination wedding”? In the U.S. now, 16 per cent of weddings are celebrated in an exotic location. It sounds so perfect and, yet, can the love live up to the landscape? Today, as we pack our bags, we have a love song ringing in our ears. It comes from a book of songs by “The Sons of Korah,” a worship group in Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. This song was originally written for one of David’s dynasty. Almost a thousand years later it becomes a song about Christ (Heb. 1:8,9) who sometimes portrayed himself as a bridegroom in his parables. But the great theme of marriage in the Bible is even bigger than that. Starting with a man leaving his mother and father (Gen. 2:24), it weaves its way through to a perfectly divine wedding on the final page, to which we are all invited: “The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come!'” (Rev. 22:17). What a day, what a wedding celebration that will be!
Apply
Remind yourself now of the great love Christ has for you. Bask in it and give him hearty thanks.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, how I look forward to that great, divine wedding celebration! Help me to be ready and eagerly awaiting it!
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