Psalm 24 verses 1-10 (NIV)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Saviour.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty —
he is the King of glory.
This whole psalm touched my heart today. It begins by reminding us of the sovereignty and power of God, and yet if we keep our hearts and lives right before Him and seek His face we will be blessed and vindicated for our trust and obedience. Following on from yesterday’s reading it is yet another example of God’s grace and goodness to those who follow Him.
The second half of this psalm is one of the earliest hymns I heard in church as a wee lass. “Ye gates lift up Your heads on high” as sung from the old Scottish Psalter was one of my dad’s favourites, and for some reason, even as a youngster I was always moved when hearing this sung with gusto; I still am. Apparently, the head of a gate is the part at the very top. David knew what a spectacle of a king and country’s might and power a victory parade could be. He’d been part of many. Crowds would gather in excitement to cheer and marvel at the spoils of victory. The gates of Jerusalem. Designed to protect the city, closed at night and in times of war, would be thrown open to welcome the victors. Using this picture, we can see that God is so mighty and powerful that the head of the gate He approaches require to be extended, because God is so awesome and mighty. He cannot be contained. And He wants us to throw wide the gates of our lives to welcome Him into every area of them. He will not force His way in, even with all His power and might.
Dear Lord,
I find it amazing that the mighty and awesome all-powerful God loves me. You are welcome in every area of my life and of all the praise and worship that You’re due. Amen.