Jesus said, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” (Mt 9:15).
Not everyone enjoys reading the account of a society wedding recorded in the local newspaper. But this wedding is different. The Bridegroom is so sure of the details that this description in Psalm 45 was recorded at least 3,000 years before the event! It begins with an introduction to the royal court reporter: “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (Ps 45:1). It’s evident he loves his job. Unlike weddings these days, he begins with a lengthy description of the Bridegroom (vv 2-9). Of all His outstanding attributes, which one will be featured first? “You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips” (v 2). The prime characteristic of this “Mighty One” (v 3)? He is a winsome king who speaks with grace. And look! It’s true He’s marked by “glory and…majesty…truth…and righteousness” (vv 3-4), but “humility” too? And yet, for all His grace and humility, this is a warrior king. “Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One…Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies” (vv 3, 5). Then, in one of the most startling statements in the Hebrew Scriptures, God acknowledges Him as God! These are the words repeated in Hebrews 1:8-9. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Ps 45:6-7). Oh the wonder of it! God takes what He most hates—our sin— and places it upon the One He most loves—His Son—so those who hated Him without a cause could be the object of His love—without a cause. And that’s the Bride’s story!