It is an irrepressible song for a king. Lyrics that cannot be contained. Sourced in an overflowing heart, the songwriter’s tongue “like the pen of a ready scribe” (Ps. 45:1).

This king is “the most handsome of the sons of men”–inside and out (45:2-3). While his appearance conveys might, splendor, and majesty, every word from his lips is “sheer grace” (MSG).

And that this king is a foreshadow of THE KING is apparent as the God-breathed commentary of Hebrews claims the Messianic prophecy of the songwriter as belonging to Jesus the Christ, the Son of God.

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

(Hebrews 1:8-9 citing Psalm 45:6-7 ESV)

So, if Jesus is the king of this ancient, prophetic song, then who is “the daughter” (45:10-15)? Who is the glorious princess arrayed in “many-colored robes” who is brought to the king? The one who, with joy and gladness, enters the king’s palace? If Jesus is the King, then mustn’t the bride speak of the church? I’m thinkin’ . . . (Eph. 5:25-26).

And here’s what I’m chewing on this morning: the King’s desire.

Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, and the King will desire your beauty. Since He is your Lord, bow to Him.

(Psalm 45:10-11 ESV)

Girl, says the songwriter, don’t you know who you are betrothed to? Lift your head up and take a look? Stop fussing around for a few minutes and behold your Bridegroom. Knock the wax of distraction out of your ears and hear the voice of Him who sits on the throne yet calls to you. Forget about holding on to your maiden name. Cease to fear leaving the safety of your father’s house and your comfortable surroundings. Know that He is your Lord. Worship Him.

And this, because He desires your beauty. The King longs for your radiance.

Desires it so much, He Himself clothed you with His own robes of salvation and righteousness–purchased at great cost with His own blood.

Longs for it to such a degree that even now, the makeover work He began in you when He called you to Himself, He longs to complete, as He has promised, so that He might present you to Himself “in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,. . . holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27).

The King’s desire . . . it’s you!

Desiring the beauty He placed in you when He created you in His own likeness to be evident to all. The beauty He bestowed upon you when He redeemed you from the slavery of sin and death to witness to His saving power for eternity. The beauty He has purposed will emanate from you on that day when the Lamb takes His bride to be His joy and pleasure forever and ever.

The beauty that is found through Him, and in Him, and for Him. Beautiful because He has made it so.

O, to be the daughter called to forsake all others that we might be His alone. What amazing grace!

To be the bride the King desires! Clothed in His righteousness. Made ready through His Spirit infused, sanctifying power. What abounding love!

Since He is your Lord, bow to Him.

Because of grace. For His glory.