In the ancient world, when kings approached, gates were opened. David, the author of Psalm 24, understood that. He himself was a king. But in Psalm 24, David isn’t the hero. He poetically describes the approach of a greater King. The greatest King.
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! (Psa 24:9-10)
When the King of glory approaches, gates should certainly open.
We’ve gathered today to worship this King, “all-glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.”
This King of glory deserves access to … everything. “The earth is the LORD’s and everything that fills it, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psa 24:1). What does he desire to see in me? “Clean hands and a pure heart” (Psa 24:4). I haven’t always given this King what he deserves. And yet, this first day of the week is full of hope.
“According to his great mercy,” the King has graciously extended the opportunity for all to be “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet 1:3).
Born again. Minds which were once closed in self-centeredness can be opened to this King and set on things above, where Christ is (Col 3:1-2). Hearts which were once corrupt can be cleansed and used as instruments of praise and thanksgiving to his majesty (Eph 5:19-20). Bodies in which sin once reigned (Rom 6:12) can be presented as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to the King (Rom 12:1). This is hope which is alive and freely available to all through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
So let’s open the gates of praise and thanksgiving today. Open the gates of your love and allegiance, “that the King of glory may come in” and reign on the throne of your heart.