Wedding Song
Opening Prayer
Beloved Bridegroom God, You have won my heart and I am Yours forever.
Read Psalm 45
[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, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does this Psalm stir your soul?Christ followers who read this Old Testament wedding song hear whispers of the coming Messiah. Like the bride who is being united to her groom in this psalm, Christ requires that we let go of all other attachments (10). A decision for Him means a reordering of our priorities. We may have to relinquish things we have held dear, lay down ideas we have outgrown and surrender parts of ourselves that we have held on to in our stubborn pride. It may be difficult to realize that, as a Christ follower, we must hold all other relationships loosely. It’s a mistake to think that our relationships with others are more important than our commitment to Christ. When we are united with Christ, He demands our loyalty. We cannot be divided. We are His alone. We cannot lay claim to be the Bride of Christ, which is what God calls the Church, if we continue to hold on to anything or anyone other than Jesus, our Lord. When the psalmist tells the bride that she enthralls the king with her beauty, we long to be seen that way by Jesus (11). We want to know that kind of joy and gladness. This surpasses any other kind of happiness! When we belong to the King, we become holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25–27)Christ followers who read this Old Testament wedding song hear whispers of the coming Messiah. Like the bride who is being united to her groom in this psalm, Christ requires that we let go of all other attachments (10). A decision for Him means a reordering of our priorities. We may have to relinquish things we have held dear, lay down ideas we have outgrown and surrender parts of ourselves that we have held on to in our stubborn pride. It may be difficult to realize that, as a Christ follower, we must hold all other relationships loosely. It’s a mistake to think that our relationships with others are more important than our commitment to Christ. When we are united with Christ, He demands our loyalty. We cannot be divided. We are His alone. We cannot lay claim to be the Bride of Christ, which is what God calls the Church, if we continue to hold on to anything or anyone other than Jesus, our Lord. When the psalmist tells the bride that she enthralls the king with her beauty, we long to be seen that way by Jesus (11). We want to know that kind of joy and gladness. This surpasses any other kind of happiness! When we belong to the King, we become holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25–27)
Apply
Take time to consider the wonder that Jesus has invited you into the most intimate relationship.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I am waiting for You to come for me. Until that day, my whole heart is Yours.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.