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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The sons of Korah sang, “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! (Ps 47:6–7). I praise you today and exalt your name. Great is the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me some of the psalms of the sons of Korah. This Levitical family was descended from the rebel leader Korah, whose children were spared, to my great gain, when he died for his rebellion against you (Num 26:10ff.). Some of this family became doorkeepers and guardians of the temple (1 Chr 9:17ff.; cf. Ps 84:1, 10), while others were singers and musicians in the choir founded under David by Heman. Psalm 45 is a hymn celebrating a royal wedding, and as the title says, it is a “love song.” It is also Messianic, and it celebrates the coming union of Christ and his bride (cf. Eph 5:23ff.). The psalm begins by addressing “the king,” and it praises him for his splendor and majesty. But this isn’t just any king, for this king is called “God” in v. 6, and it becomes clear that the writer is speaking of the Messiah, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. This psalm, together with Psalm 110, clearly depicts the Messiah as divine. His throne is “forever and ever,” and the scepter of His kingdom is “a scepter of righteousness.” Jesus loved righteousness and hated wickedness: “Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions” (Ps 45:6–7). The author of Hebrews, guided by the Holy Spirit, quoted these verses as part of his argument for the superiority of the Son to the angels (Heb 1:8–9). The psalm goes on to picture the wedding of the King. The bride will be led to Him in beautiful clothing, and she will enter His palace in gladness and rejoicing. What a wonderful picture of the glorious marriage of the Lamb. More than anything else, I want to be there. Hallelujah! Reflection The sons of Korah said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). If I really believe this, then I will choose to “not fear” (Ps 46:2). Though the earth gives way and the waters roar and the mountains tremble, I will trust in the Lord of hosts! Request Father, give me a fresh glimpse of your majesty and power. The more I come to know you, the more I come to trust in your protecting hand. Thanksgiving Thank you for being my rock and my refuge. When my soul is cast down, I will remember the Lord and hope in God, for you are my salvation and my fortress! (Ps 42:6, 11). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Ivory Palaces” — Henry Barraclough. Meditation Verse: Psalm 45:7. |