The King's Wedding (Psalm 45)Sample

Behold Their Love 

Education is the discipline of remembering. Some believe that knowledge is merely recalling facts and figures. Countless kids have made the grade, from times tables to spelling, using flash cards. How many of us have chugged coffee and lost sleep trying to cram for a final exam? But did you know that an important part of remembering is actually forgetting? If every time you were asked for your phone number you began to recall the number of your childhood home, your college dorm, or your first apartment, you'd be stumped. A recent Stanford study revealed that the brain suppresses—forgets—less useful memories to prioritize important memories.

You might be surprised to discover that forgetfulness is also a Biblical practice. In Psalm 45, the king counseled the bride to forget one thing and remember another. The Jews wandering in the wilderness were asked to forget the food of Canaan to appreciate the miraculous manna. Even God, who knows everything about everything, chooses to forget some things: our sins (see Hebrews 8:12). It's not that God can't remember, it's that He won't remember. 

So how do we forget? One professional recommends taking the following steps. Conjure the image that triggers a memory you want to forget. Follow it immediately with an image of a white wall, black board, or whatever image that suits you. Repeat as often as necessary. Next time you accidentally conjure the image, the other image will immediately follow and prevent associated memory from surfacing.

Read the verses below and answer the following questions.

Listen, O daughter,

Consider and incline your ear;

Forget your own people also, and your father's house;

So the King will greatly desire your beauty;

Because He is your Lord, worship Him.

And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;

The rich among the people will seek your favor. (Psalm 45:10-12)

Practical Observation

1. The psalmist now addresses the royal daughter—the bride. What three words or phrases emphasize the importance of his advice?

2. What marital advice does the queen receive and what will the result be if she follows it?

3. Why is the King worthy of the bride's worship?

4. Who will bring gifts to the royal couple?

5. Describe the people who will receive royal favor.

Personal Application

a. A faithful and devoted heart is the most beautiful gift we can give our King. Paul said, "I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). Describe some ways that you will remain pure until your Bridegroom comes for you.

b. The King greatly desires the bride's beauty. He delights in her. Do you think the Lord is delighted in you? Explain why or why not.

c. As the Lord of the universe, Jesus is worthy of our praise. Worship literally means to sink or bow down in humility and submission. Take time to submit every area of your life to Him in prayer.