Briefing: “Nobility is defined as; greatness of character and high ethical qualities or ideals that serve a course greater than self; faithfulness to a higher calling or purpose.” (from The Nobility of Policing by Michael J. Nila)

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 45.

On the Street: The writer of this Psalm describes it as, “a noble theme” in verse one. If we are a noble profession (and we are) and a noble people (it should be our daily goal) then this Psalm should describe us as well.
The Psalm starts out with a description of a noble man. Verse two says, “You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.” The first noble quality mentioned is that he is wise in his speech. Jesus said, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” If his mouth is speaking wisdom then his heart must be filled with God’s Word.

As I read verse 3, I can picture a sharp dressed peace officer, out in public, protecting his/her community. It says, “Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.”

Verse 4 says, “In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.” As you patrol your beat, area or jurisdiction, do it with the confidence that justice will prevail. We will be known by our “awesome deeds” of courage and life-saving efforts. We don’t have to brag about it, the community will know.

There are three specific characteristics this verse lists: truth, humility, and righteousness. For a person to be noble, they must have these three qualities. We know as Christians we also demonstrate qualities that make us recognizable as followers of Jesus Christ. We call them the fruit of the Spirit. If a Christian peace officer can show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit then the three qualities of nobility will flourish without effort.

Verse 6 says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” This verse establishes that there is a place in God’s kingdom for the noble enforcers of justice, or as I like to call them, Christian peace officers. This is followed up by a confirmation verse, “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Notice he makes a point of saying this God of justice must be your God, you must be His follower, otherwise this does not apply to you.

Verses 8-17 go into detail about the bride and their future. This is a wedding Psalm after all. Even though it is primarily about the wedding it is very specific in its requirements as they apply to the noble peace officers of today.

Investigational Resources: The Nobility of Policing by Michael J. Nila, copyright 2008 FranklinCovey Co.

Officer Safety Principle: Knowledge is power. If you do not find yourself in this Psalm then you have the power to do something about it. ”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!