The King Of Glory

by Pastor Mark
November 21, 2019

Approaching the Lord

As the Psalmist David meditated on the Lord, he raised the concern as to who may approach Him. What was his understanding of God in this Psalm?

1. The Lord and Creator

God is the Lord of all the world…everything belongs to Him, including its inhabitants. (Ps 24:1) He is Creator of everything, including the seas. (Ps 24:2)

2. The presence of God

Where is the presence of God? David wrote, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?” (Ps 24:3) The presence of the Lord may be seen physically and symbolically. Physically, the Lord was in His tabernacle, which was situated in Jerusalem, Mt Zion. But symbolically, one could also enter into His presence anywhere. But who could come into His presence?

3. The person who may approach the Lord’s presence

David wrote of the kind of person who may enter into the presence of the Lord. He must be a person who is clean and pure both externally and internally. (Ps 24:4) He must be faithful to the Lord and not be untruthful. Let us ensure that we can approach the Lord and be blessed.

Seek the Lord and His glory

“This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.” (Ps 24:6)

Why are we approaching the Lord? It is really not for His blessing. David’s challenge for Israel was to seek God…to seek His face. The name “Jacob” was often used to highlight his sinful ways. “Jacob” was used to represent Israel negatively. But there came a time when Jacob also sought the Lord. (Gen 32) David spoke of Israel as a generation who sought the Lord. Let us be challenged to seek the face of the Lord.

The King of glory

David wrote of the King of glory, “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!” (Ps 24:7) This was a call for the gates of Jerusalem to be opened. It was like a triumphant military parade that usually happened after a victory over an enemy force. The King of glory came in triumphantly. (Ps 24:7) There was great glory in His victory. What kind of King was this King of glory? “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Ps 24:8) His glory was seen in how strong and mighty the Lord was. He was able to defeat the enemy as He was mighty in battle. There were much praise and honour given for He is the Lord of hosts, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”  (Ps 24:10) All the angels of heaven submit to the command of this glorious and victorious King. Let us truly stand in awe of our King of glory.

A Messianic Significance

This passage about the King of glory has a Messianic reference, to the triumphant entry of Christ. The Lord Jesus would enter into Jerusalem sitting on a colt with the people praising and glorying Him. This prophetic reference to the Lord’s triumphant entry was fulfilled.  (Matthew 21) The glory of the Messianic King was manifested during this triumphant entry. But the people were not able to see nor understand who the Lord was. They did not see His glory. Let us be challenged to seek the King of glory and to come before His presence. Let us be challenged to see the glory of our Messiah King this Christmas and give Him full praise.

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