“A lesson for our times”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Psalm 45 (Forward,, p. 30) CEV p. 581
So, what are we, the present students of this psalm, to make of it? Or, more precisely, how are we to interpret it and apply it for ourselves and for our present-day situation. My present translation, the Contemporary English Version, gives it the title, “For the Royal Wedding’, and clearly it is set for such an occasion as this.
There are two people featured front and centre in this psalm, the king and his new bride. The king is described in the most grandiose of terms. For instance, early on, the psalmist says, “No one is as handsome as you. Your words are always kind. That is why God will always bless you” (v. 2).
And, in describing his reign, it gets even more grandiose and splendid: “You are God, and you will rule forever as king. Your royal power brings about justice. You love justice and hate evil. And so, your God chose you and made you happier than any of your friends” (verses 6-7). So, what earthly king could ever measure up to such accolades? Wouldn’t it be great if our earthly rulers truly loved justice and promoted it! Or, as suggested earlier ‘won victories for truth and mercy and justice’ (verse 4b). Surely this is an ideal, an ideal not attainable by any human monarch. I think I can say, without any fear of contradiction, that we, today, have seldom seen it!
So, it is quite understandable that commentators have applied these descriptions to an ideal monarch and coming king, none other than the Messiah. And certainly, we can easily paint Jesus in these terms, for He alone can live up to these words.
So, what about the bride? In its original Middle Eastern context, she is quite understandable—beautiful and adorned in incredible finery, and now devoted to her new husband. But that is not our context, so how do we apply it? Well, if the husband truly is to be seen as the Messiah, our Christ, then, who are we? Many over the years have seen the Church, that is, you and I, as the bride of Christ. And so, with this thought in mind, we like the bride in this psalm, are to present ourselves in beauty and purity to our groom, our king, and like her, to devote ourselves to Him and do as He desires. And so, by this measure, we have a lesson to learn here. We are see Christ as our king and Messiah, and are to model ourselves on this bride as we give ourselves devotedly to Him. Amen.
Forward notes: “My heart is stirring with a noble song; let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer” (verse 1).
“I have been reading Forward Day by Day for more than five years. My grandmother started her day with reflections, too. She would be upstairs reading, and we would hear a bang on the kitchen ceiling. Grandaddy would say, ‘She’s ready for her coffee,’ and take her some while she continued her devotions. She kept the little booklets all over the house and one in the car. She gave me the gift of reflective reading, writing, and sharing with others. I am honored that I have a turn to share my thoughts with you.
“All of the Forward Day by Day writers, like the psalmist, have had their hearts overflowing with themes and stories to share with others. I try to look at everything around me through the lens of scripture and my Baptismal Covenant. I hope some of that was evident this month. I am grateful that I grew up in the Episcopal Church and for the opportunity to pour out these stories and experiences and share them with you all. My pen—and heart—are ready for more!”
Moving Forward: “Have you considered writing your own daily meditations? Journal each day this week and see what the Spirit is stirring within you.”