Psalm 45:3-5 Gird your sword on your thigh, O most mighty, with your glory and your majesty.… I. CONFIDENCE IN THE POWER OF CHRIST TO VANQUISH THE SOULS OF MEN. 1. The first direct and decided foe over which He triumphed was the Jewish Church. That corrupt Church murdered the Son of God. But He was silent only a little more than forty-eight hours, and then rose to speak to men, and lives to speak through men, till all nations shall hear His voice, understand and believe. 2. The political power of Rome. The Jews condemned Jesus according to their law because He was a blasphemer; but as they had lost the power of capital punishment they appealed to Rome, saying, Help us to put this man to death. Pilate became a tool in their hands, and condemned the "Just One," but He triumphed over both. 3. The ungodly world. The spirit, theories, institutions, habits and pursuits of unregenerated humanity are in deadly opposition to Christ. But He will conquer, "He must reign." II. SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE IN WHICH HE WAS EMBARKED. What is the cause? 1. Truth; less party zeal, and more zeal for truth. 2. Righteousness; an unjust man is not a soldier of Christ. 3. Meekness; fidelity. Soldiers of the Cross, the Redeemer must triumph. III. A DEVOUT APPEAL TO HEAVEN. "Gird thy sword." 1. A living faith in the present life of Christ. "We are justified by His death, we are saved by His life." 2. A renunciation of all instruments, except those that are His. Carnal weapons have been foolishly and wickedly used in the cause of Christ — cannons, soldiers; and what an insult! what falsehood! (Caleb Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.WEB: Strap your sword on your thigh, mighty one: your splendor and your majesty. |
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