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. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? 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. He will receive blessings from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. 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 strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O 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. (Psalm 24:1-10)
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This time of the year provides us with so many avenues out of our daily life. Think about it: weekend trips, long vacations, weddings every. single. weekend... new jobs, shopping excursions, camps, you name it.
And when it comes to each of these experiences, we are often taken far away from our ordinary bubbles and routines. Perhaps even surrounded by people and activities that - in a very vivid way - express worldly lives and pursuits.
But when I read this verse, it says that "the earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it." So regardless of whether the world - those surrounding us even now - "know" their Creator or not, they are all under His complete reign.
So it begs a question: When we are out of our daily lives and surrounded by the world in new ways, do we continue to act as people who know our Creator and follow Him fully?
The world denies Him because they have never known Him, but do we deny Him just because of a change in situation or context?
This passage makes clear that the person "who will stand in God's holy place" will have "clean hands and a pure heart," someone who does not "lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false."
So take a moment and look at your current situation.
Are you living with clean hands and a pure heart? When surrounded by people who have different definitions of cleanliness and purity, it can easily become difficult to remain consistent in our Christian walk...but we must.
Our hands are to comfort, build up, provide strength, and steady the wayward or hurting hearts around us. And our inner self is to be clean of lustful desires and selfish pursuits so that we can be available to God's will over us.
This lifestyle requires a constant reminder of who our God is; of His truth. I think this is why David sings and proclaims:
"Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, o 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." (Psalm 24:8-10)
I believe David needed to remind his own heart of this truth.
In a world full of broken "truths" and loud cries, we need a reminder of our King. And in a culture of temporary fixes and "beautiful" facades, we need a reminder of our eternal and very glorious Kingdom.
So today - this morning, afternoon, or evening - take some intentional time away.
In doing so... Lift up your head. Open your heart. Search deep. Renew your mind. And separate yourself from the world around you.
For the King of glory is our Lord, He is strong and mighty. Regardless of the lives all around us, we - as children of the King - have a great and heavenly responsibility to make known Who we serve.
May this be true of us today.
Thank you so much for joining us. As always, feel free to share this with others and continue on tomorrow!
Blessings,
Greg, Declare Glory
