May 1, 2009
THE RIDER ON THE WHITE HORSE
Psalm 45
Colin Lardner
Central Truth
We can ultimately trust in only One for everlasting change, healing, and hope. That One is Christ Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose throne will last forever and ever.
Key Verse | Psalm 45:6
Your throne, O God, is permanent.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
(Psalm 45:6)
Psalm 45
Your Throne, O God, Is Forever
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil 1 45:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of the Sons of Korah; a love song.
1
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
2
You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
3
Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!
4
In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
5
Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king's enemies;
the peoples fall under you.
6
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8
your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9
daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
10
Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father's house,
11
and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
12
The people
2
45:12
Hebrew daughter
of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.
3
45:12
Or The daughter of Tyre is here with gifts, the richest of people seek your favor
13
All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
14
In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.
15
With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.
16
In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
17
I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 45
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme . . . ." (Psalm 45:1a, NIV) What a beautiful opening!
Just a few short months ago, we all endured the political fight for the presidency of the United States. The candidates ripped each other apart, and we sought for a leader who would shoot straight with us. My heart has always longed for statesmen to lead with humility, truth, integrity, and righteousness, but I'm constantly disappointed. Getting to truth (not to mention security) is nebulous at best.
It seems that ardent supporters from both parties believed that their candidate possessed the power, ideals, experience, or intelligence to lead this nation, and even our world, to a better future—to genuine change. The themes that constantly run through our contemporary politics are often anything but noble. Tensions within our culture, national policies, and the economy remind me that I can truly trust only one leader to offer hope for real change and a truly positive future.
Like us, the Israelites looked to their leaders to define the direction of their future. If their king was successful, they were successful. This was because the king in biblical times was the president, the commanding general, the Congress, and the Supreme Court, all in one man. No wonder they put so much hope in their king.
David was a great king. Ultimately, though, even he disappointed, and his earthly descendants disappointed even more. Why? Because they were not the King. Their purpose, the point of all of Scripture, and the theme of this psalm point to the ultimate King—a King whose throne will last forever. (Psalm 45:6) Jesus is that King! He is truthful, humble, and righteous, and He will "ride forth victoriously." (Psalm 45:4, NIV) It is to this King that I submit my future and my hope. God is faithful.
Discussion Questions
1. In whom does your future and hope reside?
2. How does this truth stir your heart?
3. In light of Jesus Christ, your ultimate authority and King, how can you pray for our government, businesses, and spiritual leaders?
4. In light of Psalm 45, reflect on the following Scripture: Isaiah 53; Hebrews 1:8-9; Matthew 27:11; John 1:49, 3:16, 12:13; 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:15; Revelation 17:14, 19:16, 21:1-7.