The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?
Sycophancy. Sucking up. Flattering. Agreeing with everything the boss says. Complimenting the team captain at every opportunity.
When we see it – we don’t like it (even if we’re honest and admit that we do it). At first glance, Psalm 45 looks just like this. The writer has composed a song for the king’s wedding that really goes over the top about him. It sounds like the kind of thing some obsequious courtier would have written for Henry VIII for one of his 6 weddings. Let’s take a look:
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer. 2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you for ever. 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendour and majesty.
He really is going on. He later tells the king’s bride to be so pleased with her new husband, this amazing man (what a lucky lady!).
Why is this psalm in the bible at all? How can it help us? Well, the twist is in verse 6-7:
6 Your throne, O God,will last for ever and ever; a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
This isn’t just any king. This is God’s representative. This is God’s throne. A kingdom of justice. This king loves righteousness and hates wickedness. This king is anointed.
Who is this really about? Whether or not the guy that wrote it really understood – this is about the promised king who will sit on the throne of David. Not just the next chap who happened to be king in Jerusalem.
In the new testament, the book of Hebrews quotes verse 6 and explicitly tells us that this is Jesus. He’s the one on the throne. It’s his throne. He has a kingdom of justice. He is anointed. The words Messiah & Christ both mean the anointed one.
So, while this psalm may seem over the top in talking about a king and his new bride – it’s right on the money when talking about Jesus. Address this psalm to Him. Use it to praise him. We need to know, in the world of chaos, that there is a king over us, on His throne who is coming and bringing a kingdom of justice.
Oh. And the beautiful bride? That’s the church.
The king is here and he is coming. Have a blessed day.
Love Matt