GRACE GAZETTE
Volume XIIIssue 28
Published occasionally for Zion’s mourners
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12::12-13

A READY WRITER

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1

The word “indite” (which means, “to compose or write words”) is seldom if ever used in modern English writing and conversation. Yet it is a very descriptive word which comes from the Latin word “indictare “ meaning to declare or announce formally and is where we get the English word dictate. This word is not to be confused with its homonym “indict”, (which is a term meaning to accuse of a crime) even though both come from the same Latin root. The Hebrew word which is translated here in this Psalm as “inditing” literally means to “gush” or “come forth effusively”.

So the Psalmist is saying that when he considers the KING of kings, he is deeply moved in his very soul to praise and extol HIM. He says that “his tongue” is as the “pen of a ready writer” or as one prepared and diligent to magnify and exalt the LORD for all of HIS perfections.

The writer of Hebrews says much the same thing when he exhorts the saints. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Heb 13:15) Though we have nothing of our own to bring HIM, yet we “offer the calves of our lips” as Hosea says. (see Hos.14:2) HE is the object of the rejoicing and the praise of the saints in all ages, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.” (Psa 22:3-4)

The Psalmist was a man acquainted with the praise of GOD and the words; praise, praises, and praising appear there 182 times. The book of Psalms ends with this verse, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psa 150:6)

It is very unfortunate that the term “Praise the LORD” has become just a catch-phrase that can be heard in common conversation with little regard given to the true concept of praise which the Psalmist sets forth. It even became the name of a television show hosted by one of the most skillful charlatans and fleecers of sheep in the annals of Christendom. (see II Cor 11:13-14; II Tim 3:5-7) It is most often used, (quite glibly by many), in reference to any bit of good fortune which they might experience. While there is certainly nothing wrong with a proper praising of GOD for those daily mercies, which HE is pleased to extend to us, yet true praise is not primarily concerned with events of “good fortune” which are the result of HIS kind providence.

The praise of which the Psalmist speaks is primarily and chiefly concerned with a consideration of the Perfections and Performance of HIM who is ordained as the DELIVERER and REDEEMER of HIS chosen flock. This “Ready Writer” begins his declaration by saying “Thou art fairer than the children of men”. Indeed HE was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”(Heb 4:15)

Then he says, “grace is poured into thy lips”. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Next he says, “therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.” “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philip 2:9-11)”For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”(Col 2:9)

The “Ready Writer” continues, “Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.” (Psa 45:3-4) “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:13-15) Has there ever been any greater triumph or victory?

This “Ready Writer” is not done yet, “Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.” (Psa 45:5) Is this not that ONE who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah who says, “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” (Isa 63:3-4)

The “Ready Writer” next declares, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.” (Psa 45:6) There is no doubt as to this KING’s DEITY nor the scope of HIS reign. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psa 2:6) “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isa 52:7)

Next this “Ready Writer” says: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Psa 45:7) “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.” (Isa 7:14-15) “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38)

The “pen” of the “Ready writer” is still busy as he says. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.” (Psa 45:8-11) The LORD is so vitally united to HIS bride that HE sees her in HIS own RIGHTEOUSNESS and she rejoices in the same. “How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” (Son 4:10-11) HIS bride is “his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” (Eph 1:23)

This “Ready Writer” glories in the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the bride, The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.” (Psa 45:13) “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (1Co 1:30)

The “Ready Writer” concludes with his desire to glorify the name of CHRIST forever. “I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.” (Psa 45:17) This is the purpose of preaching. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1Tim 1:17)

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