Today’s WORD (Text) Psalm 45:4 - 8
4/ In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds. 5/ Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. 6/ Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8/ your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces, stringed instruments make you glad.
Today’s Witness
Biblical scholars describe Psalm 45 as a wedding song, an elaborate tribute to a forthcoming prince to a royal wedding. Perhaps this psalm was a common feature in the royal weddings of an ancient monarchy. While its history is unsure, this psalm has also been appropriated within Jewish and Christian traditions as a fitting tribute to the coming Messiah, and the beloved Son of God. The attributes of royalty and majesty are clear; and there are other attributes of the coming king that should not be overlooked, especially in our generation when power is often separated from virtue.
The coming king will be victorious for the cause of truth and will defend justice. The coming king will advance equity for the people, will love righteousness, and hate wickedness. O I want to see this beautiful king! O that men and women would extol and cherish these attributes and values in our time when truth is being trampled underfoot by persons in some of the highest offices of government. Ours is a time when a big lie is exalted, and truth is rejected. The humble and the ordinary people of our time crave leadership that cares for all those who are disfranchised, in need, underserved, alienated, and marginalized. The text associates the beauty of the king with the righteous causes to be embraced and advanced. Power and beauty do not exist in isolation from truth and justice. Come Lord Jesus, and bring righteousness, justice, truth, and peace to our land today. Amen.
Today’s Invitation
As we look forward to Palm Sunday, and the glorious arrival of Jesus in the Capital City of Jerusalem, how might the news of his triumphal entry advance the work of evangelism by the church?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, teach us to proclaim the good news of your triumphal entry into human history in a manner that lifts you up, and invites men, women, and children to faith in the Almighty God. At a time of hopelessness, despair, fear and need for so many people give us the words, images, conviction, and ministry that help others to see your mighty power at work in the world. Help us to proclaim you, the great God above all gods, to lift you high above all the troubles that keep the heads and hearts of everyday people cast downward. Make us messengers of hope, healing, and uplift to our world, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash
Today’s WORD (Text) Psalm 45:4 - 8
4/ In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds. 5/ Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. 6/ Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8/ your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces, stringed instruments make you glad.
Today’s Witness
Biblical scholars describe Psalm 45 as a wedding song, an elaborate tribute to a forthcoming prince to a royal wedding. Perhaps this psalm was a common feature in the royal weddings of an ancient monarchy. While its history is unsure, this psalm has also been appropriated within Jewish and Christian traditions as a fitting tribute to the coming Messiah, and the beloved Son of God. The attributes of royalty and majesty are clear; and there are other attributes of the coming king that should not be overlooked, especially in our generation when power is often separated from virtue.
The coming king will be victorious for the cause of truth and will defend justice. The coming king will advance equity for the people, will love righteousness, and hate wickedness. O I want to see this beautiful king! O that men and women would extol and cherish these attributes and values in our time when truth is being trampled underfoot by persons in some of the highest offices of government. Ours is a time when a big lie is exalted, and truth is rejected. The humble and the ordinary people of our time crave leadership that cares for all those who are disfranchised, in need, underserved, alienated, and marginalized. The text associates the beauty of the king with the righteous causes to be embraced and advanced. Power and beauty do not exist in isolation from truth and justice. Come Lord Jesus, and bring righteousness, justice, truth, and peace to our land today. Amen.
Today’s Invitation
As we look forward to Palm Sunday, and the glorious arrival of Jesus in the Capital City of Jerusalem, how might the news of his triumphal entry advance the work of evangelism by the church?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, teach us to proclaim the good news of your triumphal entry into human history in a manner that lifts you up, and invites men, women, and children to faith in the Almighty God. At a time of hopelessness, despair, fear and need for so many people give us the words, images, conviction, and ministry that help others to see your mighty power at work in the world. Help us to proclaim you, the great God above all gods, to lift you high above all the troubles that keep the heads and hearts of everyday people cast downward. Make us messengers of hope, healing, and uplift to our world, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash