The Bridegroom's Glory

Read Psalms 45, 47, 48, 87, 110, 72:20
 
Psalm 45:2 You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever.
 
THIS is a love psalm. It was likely written for Solomon’s wedding with the daughter of Egypt’s pharaoh. And we are thankful the psalmist expanded his love proclamation to the eternal Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
   The writer admires Solomon’s physical appearance. Then he points to Jesus glorious appearance. We know Jesus’ earthly appearance was ordinary, but he revealed his glory in the Transfiguration. Today the King of Glory is enthroned in heaven’s beauty. All who have the eager expectation of heaven will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:3) Solomon, too, is known for his wise words. Even more gracious words streamed from the Lord Jesus. Colossians 2:3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
 
Psalm 45:3 Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! 4 In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies' hearts. The nations fall beneath your feet.
 
This is all about Jesus. Solomon was not a warrior. His reign was the most peaceful time of Israel’s existence. Jesus, though, is a Warrior. Many in the church reject this view of our Lord because we want to see Jesus as the Good Shepherd, loving forgiver and merciful friend. Yes, he is all that. And he is a Warrior. Christ came to battle against the Evil One. Prophecy of our future is filled with dreaded conflicts. How can Jesus not be a Warrior to defend your life against death?
   A true kingdom must defend against the lies and surely stand for righteousness. The nations will fall beneath Jesus’ triumphant feet. Be grateful Jesus fought to the death for you.
 
Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 7a You love justice and hate evil.
 
The psalmist directly addresses God. Only Jesus’ throne is forever. Only Jesus is truly righteous. He is the only one qualified to rule forever with justice.
 
Psalm 45:7b Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else. 8 Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes. In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you. 9 Kings’ daughters are among your noble women. At your right side stands the queen, wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!
 
The Bridegroom and the Bride are anointed for the wedding. Jesus is the Bridegroom, the church is his bride to come spotless to him one day. Ephesians 5:27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.  
 
The psalm then closes with the eternal proclamation of Christ’s reign. Psalm 45:17 I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.
 
The wedding song became a love song to God. Our LORD created marriage to illustrate his relationship with humanity and his church. Christian marriages used to be called “holy matrimony”. I hope we can understand why this is and remember our marriages are to exhibit Jesus’ eternal relationship to us.