Psalm 45:1-8 The Patriotism of the Church (Part 1 of 2)

We’ve spent the last two days studying psalm 45 from a patriotic perspective of Israel honoring her king. Perhaps, as you read this psalm, you picked up on some of the undertones which indicate that it is not merely a psalm about the earthly king of Israel and his bride, but it is also a prophetic psalm worshipping the Eternal Heavenly King of Israel, Jesus Christ, and His bride, the church.

Please read Psalm 45:1-8 again, this time with an understanding that the “king” in this psalm is Jesus. I think it will provide a deeper sense of reverence for this psalm.

Perhaps if we knew the tune of “lilies,” we would use this psalm as a modern worship song. (I’m sure someone somewhere will work on that soon, as the truly greatest worship songs come directly from Scripture). Even without singing the song, we can still join in the worship by praising Jesus as we read through it.

When I think about Jesus, my heart too “overflows with a pleasing theme.” Of all the people in the world, Jesus is indeed “the most handsome” to me. I smile just thinking about Him—not because I know exactly what He looks like, but because I know what He has done for me.

When Jesus taught, and when I read His words in the New Testament, I agree that “grace is poured upon your lips.” But He didn’t come to this world to teach, He came to this world to give His life for me. Because of His great actions on my behalf, I want to join in on this love song for my Savior. Because of His great actions on my behalf, God Himself has blessed Him forever, and given Him a name above all other names!

While the earthly king needs to prepare for battle over and over, Jesus has already fought and won the victory. He died as a suffering servant on my behalf. Death has been defeated and Satan is vanquished. There is victory in Jesus!

Still, I know that He will one day return again as a conquering hero. I can look forward to that day as I sing to my King: “Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!” As He girds his sword on his thigh, it will reveal the name that is written there: “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Then, He will “ride out victoriously” to the last battle, where His enemies will be physically defeated once and for all. The forces of evil will not be able to stand against the Truth, the Righteous One. “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25).

Before all of eternity, Jesus sat on a throne that “is forever and ever.” He has always had a “scepter of uprightness,” and “loved righteousness and hated wickedness.” But, at the cross, Jesus demonstrated His love of righteousness and mercy and justice. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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 2:9-11).

May we join with the psalmist in worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Tomorrow, we will finish looking at this psalm as we look at King Jesus’ bride, the church.