We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.
Read Psalm 45 Listen to Psalm 45
Podcast (cnc-daily-psalms): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:42 — 1.1MB)
Psalm 45 is regarded as a wedding song for the King on his wedding day. So it begins by praising a man who is of excellent character and blessed by God. He is majestic and has successfully campaigned for “truth and humility and righteousness.” This sounds like Jesus. He too did “awesome deeds.” Arrows piercing the hearts of the enemy points to a victorious campaign. He will rule over the nations who fall at his feet showing acceptance of his rule and their agreement to obey him.
Verses 5 & 6 are reminiscent the book of Revelation – “a throne for him that lasts forever” – forever he will reign having defeated those who oppose the king. He, with the king, (God the Father?) want to see justice and righteousness. Because of his passion for these values God has placed him above his friends. He has been anointed with joy.
The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the oil of joy. The writer has a word for the bride whom he tells to give all her loyalty to the king. Jesus is portrayed elsewhere in the Bible as the bridegroom coming to claim his bride – the church. He sees her as his beautiful bride. When Jesus comes again his bride will be perfectly presented to him. The church will meet her king her beloved with much “joy and gladness.”
Thank you Father, for the provision you have made for the time when Jesus will return and claim his bride the church. May every part of his body – the church – be ready to greet him.