My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. 13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. Meditation Wedding ceremonies are some of my favorite services to perform. I have the best seat to watch the covenant commitment of newlyweds marked with joy, celebration, anticipation, and love. Wedding ceremonies are worship for several reasons, not least of which is that they are a picture of Christ’s love for His people. Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song. Overflowing love (1-2) spills into celebration of the groom (3-5), the loyalty of love (10-12), the extravagance of ceremony (13-15), and the legacy of the love of the couple (16-17). Inserted into the middle is a messianic focus (6-9) that wets our appetite for the ultimate royal wedding. The love between a husband and wife reveal Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:21-31). The Church has been presented as the Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2) because our Redeemer and Maker is our husband (Isaiah 54:5). The return of King Jesus is revealed as a wedding supper, the celebration of consummation of Christ and the Church (Revelation 19:7-9). The celebration of commitment and love at a wedding ceremony should deepen our gladness and gratitude for the commitment and love of King Jesus for His people. The celebration of the covenant ceremony of marriage compels God’s people, His Bride, to return to God’s love (Jeremiah 3:14). Our King who reigns forever (6) loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Our hearts long for the love of our Maker and the Royal wedding invites us to return to the love of our Covenant King. Richly Dwelling -What is your favorite part of a wedding ceremony? -How does the celebration of marriage on a human level invite us to celebrate the love of our Maker and Redeemer? -What loves do you need to turn from to return to the Love of your Bridegroom who loves you with an everlasting love? Key Verse 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa & together they have four adventurous children. |