Monday
Psalm 24.1-2 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.”
In the face of human wastefulness and carelessness about the health and future of the planet, the Psalmist is unequivocal. Every acre of land, every human being, every living creature, belongs to God. Our world is created, set in place, and sustained by the power of God. That it is now threatened in its future, is cause for human repentance. It is God’s world, not ours. We are stewards, not owners, curators of God’s great work of art. All life, including our own, is gift, for which to be grateful.
Tuesday
Psalm 24.3 “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
This Lord who made heaven and earth, who is on the guest list of worship? Who is invited and welcome? To even ask the questions reveals at least some humility. In the presence of the Holy One there is no place for those who don’t first recognise God as gracious Creator, the One on whose goodness and mercy we daily depend. So who may come near? Who is welcome to worship? That question matters to those whose hearts are familiar to reverence and awe, and for whom worship is privilege.
Wednesday
Psalm 24.4 “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol, or swear by what is false.”
Clean hands are free from actions of hurt and dishonesty. Perhaps when our hands are raised in worship they are being examined by the God who knows all our actions, public and secret. A pure heart is about holiness, and involves devotion and glad obedience. “Purity of heart is to will one thing.” (Kierkegaard) So to stand in God’s holy place, requires of us transparency of heart, honesty in our words, integrity of mind, or to put it in other words of the Psalmist, “truthfulness in the inward parts.”
Thursday
Psalm 24.5-6 “He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Saviour. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face O God of Jacob.”
Blessing and vindication means being given the right to be in God’s holy place. Grace, all undeserved, except we are the objects of a love that is eternal and faithful, and therefore utterly to be trusted. We have come to know God as Saviour through Christ. He too ascended a hill of the Lord, carrying his cross, “becoming obedient to death…” Now that same Christ is in the holy place, making intercession for us. This Psalm is played on a deeper key when you read it alongside Hebrews 4.14-16.
Friday
Psalm 24.7 “Lift up your heads, O you gates, be lifted up you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in.”
This is the great praise song of Israel, her city and her temple. Remember where this Psalm started, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it…!” Everything owes its existence to the Lord, Creator and Saviour. We who stand this side of the resurrection of Christ hear, read and sing these words, and they vibrate with faith, hope and love. The Psalmist’s words reverberate with Israel’s faith; and the God of Jacob is also the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are Easter words, calling us to worship and service of the crucified, risen and ascended Christ.
Saturday
Psalm 24.8 “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”
We are still in Easter mode! “Death is dead, Love has won, Christ has conquered!” And yet. Glory is shown in the shame of the cross; strength and might are revealed in weakness. Paul wrote, “No matter how many promises God has made, they are “YES” in Christ.” Jesus is the full revelation of the glory of God, the one “in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” Or as John says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” YES! He is the king of glory!
Sunday
Psalm 24.9-10 “Lift up your heads, O you gates, be lifted up you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord Almighty -- He is the King of glory.”
These last two verses repeat almost the same words as verses 7and 8. Almost. Imagine this whole Psalm being sung with joy and confidence in God, to whom the whole world belongs, including us. The choir sings the question, “Who is the King of glory?” The congregation give reply in full volume praise, “The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” Worship is rooted and grounded in the earth of our daily lives, but it is simultaneously focused on the King of Glory. Worship goes with stewardship, praise arises from gratitude, carefulness before the Lord Almighty compels us toward care of the earth. The earth is the Lords. It belongs to the Lord Almighty. “Who may stand in his holy place?” Those with clean hands. Pure heart. No idols. Inner integrity. And those who remember, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Comments