Continuing with my “on again, off again” quoting of a psalm from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament on this blog, let’s take a look at Psalm 24 which is a psalm composed by David.
In an article published on September 9, 2020, titled, “Psalm 24: The Earth Is the Lord’s, and Everything In It,” by Guy Roberson, contributor on PeopleForJesus.org, he writes:
The question this Psalm asks is one of the most important any man or woman can think about: “What does God require of me?” This is the ultimate issue that everyone faces, a question everyone must answer. The danger with the big questions of life, of course, is that we seldom stop to think about them. This Psalm brings us face-to-face with the ultimate issue of life and forces us to think about it….
First, if we are going to enter the Lord’s presence we should reflect on His sovereign supremacy. His unique majesty is displayed for us daily in the heavens and the earth. By observing God’s glorious creation, we see what a distinct privilege it is to enter His presence. He owns the earth—everything and everyone in the world (v. 1), even if you think you own it. Not only does God hold title to the earth but also to everything in it (v. 1b). This is what is meant by the fullness thereof. All that fills the earth, everything contained in it, also belongs to Him. “Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it” (Deut. 10:14). John Wesley stated this correctly: “When the Possessor of heaven and earth brought you into being, and placed you in this world, he placed you here not as a proprietor, but a steward.”
By what right does God claim title to the earth and everything in it? Simply stated, it is His because He made it. The psalmist points us back to creation, the founding of the earth out of the waters, as God’s right to the earth. The Almighty spoke the earth into existence out of nothing (Gen. 1-2; cp. Rom. 1:18-32).
Second, we were created for God, for His pleasure and for the purpose of worshipping Him (Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11). We fulfill our purpose of glorifying God also by living our lives in relationship and faithful service to Him (1 Sam. 12:24; John 17:4). King Solomon tried living for his own pleasure, yet at the end of his life he concluded that the only worthwhile life is one of honor and obedience to God (Eccl. 12:13–14).
Third, we should realize what an indescribable privilege it is to be invited into the presence of the Lord, but we have nothing to offer Him but ourselves, our hearts, our time, and our affection. Picture the joyous scene as the Israelites carried the ark of the covenant up the hill to the city of Zion. Their excitement grew with every step and the words of this psalm filled the air as they marched, reminding them of the qualifications for their sacred service. Soon they would enter the Lord’s holy place. As they climbed the hill to Jerusalem, they were forced to examine themselves, to search their hearts and lives for any impurity.
Fourth, we, too, should concentrate on offering our inner character and outward actions to the Lord. Notice what the Psalm has to say about this: “The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god” (v. 4). The results: You will receive God’s blessing and His righteousness (v. 5). (Quote source and the rest of the article is available at this link.)
Here are the ten verses found in Psalm 24 (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 Savior.
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.
In an article published on July 11, 2020, titled, “Psalm 24–His Glory Redeems the Earth,” by Bunni Pounds, contributor on ChristiansEngaged.org, she writes the following at the end of her article:
We are commanded here in this Psalm [24] to open up the gates and the doors of our lives regardless of how heavy they are… and with that command comes a promise that the “King of glory shall come in.” They might seem heavy or impossible at times to lift up, but God is mightier. The Lord is mighty in battle. He is the Lord of hosts. As we seek Him by making ourselves available to His presence and receiving the power of His blood, the gates of our hardened and stony hearts spring open and we find freedom. He comes rushing in and overtakes our rejections, our sin patterns, and our numb hearts.
God is not just the King but the “King of glory” and His glory comes into our lives and changes us forever.
Then we pause like the word “Selah” implies here at the end of this Psalm. [Selah is found twice in Psalm 24 NKJV at the end of verse 6 and at the end of verse 10.]
Selah literally means–Stop and think about it. We take a break in His presence. We stand in His glory that is unmatched. The earth, as it pertains to our lives, is redeemed and the fullness of His glory changes everything. “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
Political Corner: In a career or activity that most people, not just Christians, think is dirty and difficult, it is important that people of faith that engage in politics understand that God has a purpose for all institutions. We are called to bring righteousness into the political arena laying down our anger, fears, and pride, and walking with a pure heart in a system that is all about who gets the most power and influence and navigating it with humility. Jesus has called us to be salt and light–so that means we bring His redemption even into politics. It is time for some servant leaders in this field. Let’s not be short-changed by doing politics like the world system does it. (Quote source here.)
A closing thought on Psalm 24 from verse 10 comes from BibleRef.com and states:
This closing verse of Psalm 24 describes the glorious King as “the LORD of hosts.” This divine title occurs well over two hundred times in the Old Testament. Its first occurrence is in 1 Samuel 1:3. Isaiah and Jeremiah combined use this phrase well over one hundred times.
The name “LORD of hosts” identifies the Lord as eternal and ruler over all the angels and stars. The title reflects the truth that, although Israel’s earthly king was David, her real king was Yahweh. Prophetically, the glorious king who will enter Jerusalem is the Lord Jesus. He is the Lord of heaven and earth by virtue of creation and redemption. Colossians 1:15–17 describes Jesus as having created everything in heaven and on earth, not only visible objects but invisible. The invisible would include the angelic host. He also holds everything together. Someday the Lord of hosts will return to earth with mighty angels to execute judgment on unbelievers and to reign from the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6–7). (Quote source here.)
I’ll end this post with the words from Psalm 24:10 (NKJV) which states:
Who is this King of glory?. . .
The Lord of hosts . . .
He is the King of glory. Selah . . . .
YouTube Video: “Psalm 24” by the Prestonwood Choir & Orchestra , October 20, 2019:
Reflections 