At first glance, Psalm 45 appears to be a wedding song for a king and his bride.  It is!  That King is Jesus and the bride is His church!  If it were just for an earthly wedding, why would it be given to the director of music (worship leader) to be sung in the sanctuary of the Lord?  Some may say it’s about King Solomon’s wedding, but “there is One greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42).  His name is Jesus.  He is the King of all Kings (Revelation 19:16).  Psalm 45:2 says Jesus is the One with the most beautiful, greatest speech, anointed one (Luke 4:18) and has been blessed forever (1 John 1:1; Colossians 1:17).   Verses 3-4 say Jesus is mighty, majestic, humble, truth, just, and powerful (right hand). He is the eternal victorious warrior from foot (v. 5) to the royal scepter in his hand (v. 6).  He is the righteous King that God has raised and anointed Him above all (v. 7; Philippians 2:5-11).  What a Bridegroom we have in Jesus (John 3:29)! 

Jesus the Bridegroom has a bride called the church that “belongs to the Bridegroom” (John 3:29). While the Bridegroom is prepared for the wedding (marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7-10) in Psalm 45:8-9, verses 10-13 show us the preparation of the bride.  She is “to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27).  She is to leave her family and be united to Him (v. 10).  Her beauty is for her Lord’s honor (v. 11).  There are expensive wedding gifts in verse 12 that remind me of the magi’s gifts in Matthew 2:11 and the crowns placed at His feet in Revelation 4:10-11.  What a royal wedding for a King and His bride!

The bride, adorned with purity and beauty (vv. 13-14) eagerly awaits the King and wedding in her chamber.  The church eagerly awaits Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrew 9:28).  She is brought before the King in His palace (heaven) with her bridal party with joy and gladness (vv. 14-15).  As they are united in eternal marriage, the psalmist describes their infinite regal lineage (v. 16) as greater than any royal human wedding.  While some weddings make the front page of a newspaper, this wedding makes headlines throughout the universe for all generations.  Praise the King forever and ever!  “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.Let us rejoice and exalt and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6-7)!

Questions:

1.  Is Jesus the Bridegroom of your life? (Are you saved?)
2. Are you a bride (the church) that is pure and lovely (holy)?
3. Are you eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord?

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the Bridegoom I eagerly await.  I want to be holy as You are holy, spotless, and without sin, dressed in white when You return.  Help me adorn myself with what praises You, my Lord and King.  What a day Your return will be as you come to receive Your bride eternally.  Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!  In Your name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.