Love Song

There can be no doubt that Psalm 45 is messianic. We would have figured it out anyway, but the use made of it in the New Testament clinches it. How would we have figured it out? Just look at how it begins: “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king…” Who is the king? It can be none other than Messiah.

Please stop here and read the psalm. Try reading it in a version you don’t usually use. Please actually do it, don’t just blow it off. The psalm will be the most important thing you read today—far more so than my ramblings. Go.

Thank you. Now I have a question: Did you read the psalm’s title? Is it what you would have expected, knowing it’s a psalm about Christ? The singer/songwriter, one of the descendants of Korah, says, “This is a love song.”

The first nine verses are indeed about Messiah, in his regal and military might. And then the songwriter shifts to the king’s love interest, and the rest of the song is about her. You know who she is, right? If there’s any doubt, see John 3:29, Ephesians 5, and the Bride of Revelation 19, 21 & 22.

This song is about Jesus, yes…and it is just as much a song about his Bride. The writer says so: it’s a love song.

When you read it, were you moved to think, “This is about me, isn’t it?” Did you take to heart the call to leave behind your former life? Did you feel, perhaps in amazement, that it’s you who are beautiful to the king? You that is “all glorious”, surrounded by joy and gladness? You that will be remembered and praised for all time?

We are beautiful to Jesus. He loves us so much. (It’s all right to blush.)

Love, Paul