Read
(A psalm by David.)
Who Can Enter
1 The earth and everything on it,
including its people,
belong to the Lord.
The world and its people
belong to him.
2The Lord placed it all
on the oceans and rivers.
3Who may climb the Lord's hill
or stand in his holy temple?
4 Only those who do right
for the right reasons,
and don't worship idols
or tell lies under oath.
5The Lord God, who saves them,
will bless and reward them,
6because they worship and serve
the God of Jacob.
7Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
may come in.
8Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong
and mighty warrior.
9Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
may come in.
10Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
the All-Powerful!
Reflect
Are you ready? The King is coming.
Psalm 24 is a psalm of anticipation. David, the shepherd king, is anticipating the arrival of the Lord. The Lord is coming to his city, to His temple. Have you prepared your heart and your mind for the moment of his arrival? He often shows up at the moment we least expect him.
Undoubtedly, David, the warrior King, was reflecting on his own triumphant entry into the city after the defeat of his enemies in battle. But here in this psalm, he projects the victorious arrival of the King of glory.
There is a prophetic expectancy to this psalm that forms a very natural bridge to the Palm Sunday triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus, the long anticipated King, came suddenly to his temple. Some were ready for him; most were not.
This should infuse our preparations for the King with an element of urgency. We can miss his appearing. David asks, “Who may stand in his holy place?”
Purity of heart and action are essential. Blessing and vindication awaits those who seek his face. Again I ask, “Are you ready?”
God can show up in your life today in an unexpected way. Will you recognize him? Or like the busy people of Jerusalem will that moment pass you by?
Lift up your head. Open your eyes. Seek his face in your daily routine. The King of glory may be passing by today.
Respond
Come, Lord Jesus, come. I open my heart and my mind to you. I want to see you at work in my daily circumstances. King of glory, help me to anticipate your appearing in my life today. Amen
David Kitz
David Kitz is an actor, an award-winning author, and teacher. For more than thirty years, he has served as an ordained pastor. His love for drama is evident to all who have seen his Bible-based performances. He has toured across Canada and United States with a variety of one man plays for children and adults. Raised in Saskatchewan, David now lives in Ottawa with his wife Karen. Books in print: The Soldier Who Killed a King, Little Froggy Explores the BIG World, Psalms Alive!, Tunks on Tongues