May 13th, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Out of the Ivory Palaces

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Opening Prayer

Lord, uncover the empty places of my soul and fill them with Yourself; find the darkened corners and bring Your light.

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.

Meditate

“In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7). Thanks be to God!

Think Further

My nephew played guitar with a gospel writer/singer, and his wedding was graced by his well-known friend’s participation, although I don’t remember the song composed for the occasion. Here a royal wedding of much grander proportions evokes splendid language in praise and blessing of the king, his bride and the future family which will result from their union.

We are reminded of the love story behind Solomon’s Song of Songs. Like that song, these words can also be applied wonderfully to Christ. This was celebrated in an old gospel song: “My Lord has garments so wondrous fine / And myrrh their texture fills.” Was it the mention of myrrh that led to the words that followed? “Out of the ivory palaces / Into a world of woe, / Only his great eternal love / Made my Savior go.” Paul gives validity for this parallel in describing Christ’s self-giving for his beloved bride, the church (Eph. 5:25-32).

But we should not hurry too soon to that wonderful extension of meaning. Verses 8-15 speak of the magnificent palace prepared for the bride; v. 10 is a call for her to establish new loyalties because of her marriage; v. 16 calls for the groom to give new priority to the next generation rather than the father’s. These are wise words about marriage.

Again, we think of Christ and the bride he is making beautiful. Paul risks criticism in his advocacy for this bride (2 Cor. 11:2), but it is the groom who gives most and who has the most confidence that the desired beauty will one day be apparent in his church for all to enjoy.

Apply

Do we have that confidence about the church? As we admire our Savior and sing his praises this Sunday, let us join him in his love for his bride.

Closing prayer

Sovereign Lord, thank You for preserving the church through the ages, through various times and myriad places. Continue to build Your church.

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