Psalm 45:10-11, 13-14 (NLT)
Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden crown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace!
This is the type of romantic picture that has played out in countless books, songs, movies, plays, and pieces of art throughout the ages. Millions of young girls have dreamt of being carried off by a handsome and noble young prince or king to his majestic palace or castle. The story of Cinderella is perhaps most fitting as she is magically transformed by her fairy godmother to allow her full beauty to come out – and be noticed – by the handsome young prince. The least likely girl in the kingdom becomes the sole focus of the Sovereign and he moves heaven and earth to find her. What does all of this romanticism have to do with today’s psalm? It is exactly the point!
John Calvin believed this psalm was written about Solomon’s marriage to his Egyptian bride (one of many, unfortunately), but the stark reality is that there is only one King who can fit the description in verses 2-7, and that is King Jesus, the coming Messiah. So, if Jesus is the King and the Groom, then who is the “royal daughter”? Who is the apple of this husband’s eye? Who is this “bride, a princess” that “looks glorious in her golden gown”? If you are a born again follower of Jesus Christ, then the bride in question is YOU. Do you feel like a flawless, beautiful bride? Do you feel worthy of your groom’s affections? Are you comfortable with the amount of praise and love that he lavishes on you? For most of us, the answer is “No,” but God responds with an enthusiastic “Yes! You are that beautiful and precious in my eyes!”
It’s a stunning reality.
We are not the beautiful bride because of anything we have done, but because of who we are and what we have become. Every human being has intrinsic and inestimable worth because they are made in the image of God. He loves you enough to die for you simply because He loves and values his most amazing creation (Jn. 3:16). Additionally, and more specifically, on this side of your salvation you have been clothed in the perfection of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21), and that is the new reality in which you walk. Yes, God is fully aware of all of our faults, but that is not how he primarily views us. Because of the Great Exchange, God sees you as He sees Christ. That is the power of imputed righteousness (Rom. 4:22-25). That is why you are that beautiful of a bride.
Do you struggle with your self-worth? Do you feel unworthy of God’s love? Are you ashamed of who you are? Are you mired down by memories of failure and sin in your life? To be fully known and fully loved is a reality that only God can offer you…and through Christ, that is exactly who you are. You ARE that royal daughter. You ARE beautiful in the eyes of your Groom. He DOES delight in you. There WILL be a “joyful and enthusiastic procession” when you finally enter the king’s palace because He is your perfect groom…and you are His glorious bride.
