Scripture:
Psalm 45
Reflection:
Among the beautiful Crown Jewels held in the Tower of London is one particular
sceptre – the Sovereign’s Sceptre. It was made, along with much of the rest of the
regalia, after the restoration of the monarchy for the coronation of Charles II in 1661.
It is still in use for such occasions, the last time being that of Queen Elizabeth II in
1953.
A sceptre is an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions, mostly
significantly their coronation, as a symbol of their sovereignty and authority. It is said
to have derived from the shepherd's staff via the crozier of a bishop, which in itself
speaks of its symbolism.
The Sovereign's Sceptre is topped with a cross, signifying his/her temporal power as
head of state, under the authority of the ultimate sovereign, God.
The sceptre is mentioned on a number of occasions in the Bible, but two occasions
stand out. The first is in the story of Esther, when she goes in to speak to the king
and plead for her people – the Jews (Esther 5:1-2). No-one was permitted to appear
uninvited before the king, except at the risk of death. The only exception to
immediate execution was if the king extended his golden sceptre to the uninvited
party, then they would live. This he did to Esther - twice. It illustrates to us the
absolute sovereignty and authority vested in the king.
Psalm 45 is a song in praise of the king on his wedding day. It speaks of the kings
majesty, and paints a picture of a kingdom marked by truth, humility and justice.
Then comes verse 6: Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a sceptre of
justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom. This king’s absolute power will be marked
by justice. This is a vision of a happy reign.
As is usually the case with the Old Testament prophetic passages, there are layers
of meaning. Yes, this song would have been sung at the king’s wedding day in
ancient times, but it is given additional, prophetic meaning for us by being quoted in
the New Testament in a passage about Jesus (Hebrews 1:8).
It reminds us again that Jesus is King over the kingdom of God, and in a future day he will reign over all the earth. And the book of Revelation also uses the imagery of a marriage for that yet-future time when He is seen and known as King over all the earth.
Revelation 19:6b-8:
‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’
Revelation 21:1-2:
‘Then I saw ‘A new heaven and a new earth’… coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
The Scriptures are amazing. Old and New hang together in perfect harmony.
Our God is that sovereign God who will reign with truth, humility, and justice. The
Jesus we know and love and serve will be seen by everyone as a righteous king who
rightly holds the sceptre of sovereignty and authority (Philippians 2:9-11).
Prayer:
All hail King Jesus, All hail Emmanuel;
King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Bright Morning Star.
And throughout eternity I'll sing Your praises
And I'll reign with You throughout eternity.
Songs:
All Hail King Jesus – Dave Moody
There is a day – Nathan Fellingham
Food for Thought:
Are you struggling with the cares of life? Look up to the One who brings you hope for
time and eternity.