Psalm 45 was written by the Sons of Korah as a love song for King Solomon on his wedding day. It is also one of the most well known Messianic psalms, and we read these words in Hebrews, when the Son of God is introduced as the King of Kings.
"You throne of God will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be a sceptre of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." Hebrews 1:8&9
In Solomon's day they would be singing this as a love song to their King in honour of his great physique and abilities - the fact that he defended his people in "truth, humility and justice". Today we sing the same song to our KING OF KINGS, our Saviour and our Lord, who as the Son of God, humbled Himself and came to earth as a man and took on the sins of the world on the cross. His DEATH AND RESURRECTION are our ultimate justice and victory, for He is our `WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE.'
"And being found appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on the cross! Therefore God exalted Himself to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to Father except through me." John 14:6
FAIRER LORD JESUS - Read Psalm 1-8
The first verse of this psalm introduces the writer as one who truly loves and admires his king. He is willing to speak out about him with not just any words but with the `beautiful words of a skilful poet'.
As we go on to read this passage we see that the description is not just of an earthly king - a really nice, handsome man - `fairer than the children of men'; but it is indeed a picture of our King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
"Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured in your lips: therefore, God has blessed thee forever." Psalm 45:2
He is a "mighty warrior", clothed with splendour, majesty and glory. He came forth in his `chariot of love' to coonquer our spiritual foes.
"We get our strength from Him, He is mighty to save, mighty to love."
Charles H Spurgeon
The King almighty is eternal. His desire is to rule in justice, righteousness and equity. The sceptre he holds is a golden stick. He holds it out to his people, as he tells the good things he will do for his people. Jesus, our Messiah, the King of Kings held out His life - "glorious, with sweet swelling virtues".
This psalm was indeed a song about the `Fairest Lord Jesus', just like the hymn written back in 1677. Christians today still celebrate Jesus' unique character - His love, His grace, His splendour and His majesty.
1. How many things can you find in this passage remind you of Jesus?
2. Why is he your `Fairest Lord Jesus'? Write your own poem or song?
THE CHURCH - THE KING'S HONOURED QUEEN - Read Verses 9-15
According to well known theologians, Spurgeon, Wesley and Matthew Henry, the King's daughter that is being honoured here is not just one of Solomon's wives; but it is a representation of the Church today. The Church is often presented in the New Testament as the `Bride of Christ'.
"They are a royal race embraced by faith. As the queen owes the adorning to the King so we owe our redemption to the precious blood of Christ." Charles Wesley
As `royal daughters' in the New Testament church, who have accepted the King as our Saviour and Lord, we must put aside our carnal natures and sinful pursuits of the past - even if this means breaking off former alliances.
Jesus, our King loves us, His bride - the Church. We were paid for with a great prize and we have this great robe of righteousness and garments of salvation. Jesus gave us this great gift of goodness (grace and forgiveness). But the only way we can receive them, is to reach out and accept them.
We, the Church are glorious within, but we must also be seen by the virtuous and honourable actions that we do in the world. This is the way we lead others to Christ. If we lead in joy, glad and enthusiastic, others will follow; and together we will celebrate in Heaven.
"Do everything without complaining and arguing. So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:14
"Led in with joy and gladness they enter the palace of the king." Psalm 45:15
1. What are some of the ways we can joyful witnesses in the world, rather than complainers and arguers, so that others can see Christ in us, and want to follow us to the `palace of the King'?
PRAISE FOREVER AND EVER - Read Verses 16&17
One of the ways I remember my father was able to lead many people to the Lord was through PRAISE. He is known best as a man who was forever singing the praises of the Lord - through good and bad times. This is something I hope I will be known for too, not so I will known so much, but that I will be a light for the Lord Jesus Christ. And I hope and pray my children and grandchildren will do the same!
"I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will PRAISE YOU FOREVER AND EVER." Psalm 45:17
Holy Bible, New International Version
Bible Study Tools Com. - Matthew Henry Complete Bible Commentary
- Charles Wesley Commentary
www.easyenglish.info - Psalm 45 - Gordon Churchyard.
"Fairest Lord Jesus" - Maranatha Celtic (YouTube - 2012)
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