The King's Wedding (Psalm 45)Sample

Behold Their Legacy

In his book Destined for the Throne, Paul Bilheimer writes, "The universe, including the earth, was created for one purpose: to provide a suitable habitation for humans. The human race was created in the image and likeness of God for one purpose: to provide an eternal companion for the Son. The Jewish race was born and nurtured in order to bring the Messiah. And the Messiah came for one intent and only one: to give birth to His Church, thus, to obtain His Bride. The Church, the called-out body of redeemed mankind—turns out to be the central object, the goal, not only of mundane history but of all that God has been doing in all realms, from eternity." 

If Jesus intends us to join Him forever in heaven, why aren't we instantly raptured upon salvation? After regeneration comes sanctification—the process in which we are changed "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). For Christ's bride, the time between now and then serves as on-the-job training. We can say with the psalmist, "I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness" (Psalm 17:15).

The phrase "forever and ever" serves as bookends for Psalm 45. One refers to the King's throne, revealing His eternal kingdom (see verse 6). The other refers to the queen, as she would be remembered for all generations (see verse 17). It is interesting to note that the phrase occurs thirteen times throughout the book of Revelation, in which we see the culmination of God's plan for all of eternity at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus came to earth to obtain a bride as His eternal companion. Jesus and His bride will live happily forever after.

But heaven has room for multitudes. Therefore, the King and His queen want everyone in the world to become citizens of their eternal kingdom, so they work as a team toward this goal. While the King stands knocking at the door of each heart, the queen works to "make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Read the verses below and answer the following questions.

Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons,

Whom You shall make princes in all the earth.

I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations;

Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever. (Psalm 45:16-17)

Practical Observation

1. Explain how this marriage will produce a shift in focus and priorities.

2. How will this marriage affect the whole earth?

Commission The Church's primary purpose during this age of grace is to bear spiritual offspring—to draw unbelievers to the King. Jesus' Great Commission is: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The apostles of the early church are gone, but their spiritual seed remains in us. 

3. Psalm 45 ends with a final prophecy about the King. Describe the first part of this prophecy.

Character God's name reveals His position, authority, and character. In the Old Testament God revealed His character through the law and His prophets. But Jesus Christ became our telescope to the heavens. Through His character we see the character of God. "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

4. Explain the second part of this prophecy.

Praise means speak out, sing, or give thanks. We will join the heavenly hosts in praising Jesus for all of eternity. "I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea…saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'" (Revelation 5:13, NIV).

Personal Application

a. Just as God chose a woman's body to bring forth new life, He uses the body of Christ to bring spiritual babies into the kingdom. How are you currently facilitating the birth of new babies into God's kingdom? 

Children God's children are "born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever" (1 Peter 1:23). When they, in turn, are faithful to plant incorruptible seed and water it with God's Word, He "makes things grow…. For we are co-workers in God's service" (1 Corinthians 3:7, 9, NIV).

b. Jesus' name will be remembered throughout the generations. List some of Jesus' names, titles, and descriptions found in Scripture. Then underscore the names you need most today.