June 6, 2024

Who is this King of Glory?

Psalm 24

Todd Anders
Thursday's Devo

June 6, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 6, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 6, 2024

Thursday's Devo

June 6, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 24:10

Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah

Psalm 24

The King of Glory

A Psalm of David.

1  The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, 1 24:1 Or and all that fills it
    the world and those who dwell therein,
2  for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
5  He will receive blessing from the LORD
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6  Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 2 24:6 Septuagint, Syriac, and two Hebrew manuscripts; Masoretic Text who seek your face, Jacob Selah

7  Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8  Who is this King of glory?
    The LORD, strong and mighty,
    the LORD, mighty in battle!
9  Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And lift them up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10  Who is this King of glory?
    The LORD of hosts,
    he is the King of glory! Selah

Footnotes

[1] 24:1 Or and all that fills it
[2] 24:6 Septuagint, Syriac, and two Hebrew manuscripts; Masoretic Text who seek your face, Jacob
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #15: Summers in Israel

Fact: Summers in Israel

Summers in Israel can be very hot, depending on where one is (see 32:4). In places like Masada, near the Dead Sea, temperatures can soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43° C) without a drop of rain. However, Jerusalem, with its higher elevation, remains cooler with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees (24 to 29° C).

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 24:1–2 The Lord is the one who founded the world, where human beings dwell. Humans dwell on the land, rather than on the seas (compare Gen. 1:9–10). In 1 Cor. 10:26, Paul quotes Ps. 24:1 to explain that, since God owns everything, the believer may eat any kind of food with a clear conscience.

Study Notes
See chart See chart
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
Study Notes

Ps. 24:3–6 Every Israelite has the right to attend worship at the sanctuary (the hill of the LORD, his holy place), but not everyone will really receive blessing, and not everyone will enjoy the status of righteousness. God expects the Israelites to show by behavior that they truly are his people (vv. 4, 6). This is a recurring theme in the OT: see 15:1–5; 51:16–19; Prov. 15:8; Isa. 1:11–17.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 24. This psalm seems to be intended for public worship—perhaps a celebration remembering how David brought the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6).

Ps. 24:7–10 The people bearing the ark announce God’s presence in the ark, seeking entry into his sanctuary (v. 7). The people inside the sanctuary reply, Who is this King of glory? The people bearing the ark then say who the Lord is (The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!) and then repeat the request for entry (v. 9).

Psalms Fact #15: Summers in Israel

Fact: Summers in Israel

Summers in Israel can be very hot, depending on where one is (see 32:4). In places like Masada, near the Dead Sea, temperatures can soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43° C) without a drop of rain. However, Jerusalem, with its higher elevation, remains cooler with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees (24 to 29° C).

S3:110 Psalm 24

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 24

This year I reread The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. It challenged me to think and pray about the ways I deny the sovereignty of God in my life—the ways I act like I am the king, and how I treat things as if I am sovereign and they are "mine."  

If, as Psalm 24 says, He is the King of Glory, sovereign over all things —the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1), then what do I wrongly think of as "mine"?

  • My wealth (Haggai 2:8)
  • My health
  • My children (Psalm 139:13, 16)
  • My time (Psalm 139:16)
  • My spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
  • My relationships
  • My everything 

Everything comes from God (1 Chronicles 29:14b), and He gets all the glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). I get none of it (Psalm 115:1) and can take no credit for anything good in my life. He is the giver of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17).  

Acknowledging that reality is part of me having clean hands and a pure heart and not lifting up my soul to what is false. When I acknowledge Him as the King of Glory, He rules my heart as its rightful King.

So what does it look like for me to acknowledge Him as the King of Glory? For me, it means not thinking I can control anything. It means turning to Him with all my cares, all my needs, all my worries, all my joys, all my possessions, my everything. It means asking Him what He wants from me in every circumstance. Is it time for me to praise Him for what He has done/is doing? Is it time for me to give Him the credit for what is happening and not take it for myself? Is it a time for me to die to self, pick up my cross, and follow Him?  

Moment by moment, I must trust the King of Glory.  Moment by moment, I must follow Him. Moment by moment, I must remember it is all to the glory of God and never to the glory of Todd.

This month's memory verse

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

– Matthew 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. What does it look like for me to turn over more of my life to the King of Glory? Where do I struggle with believing that I am the king?

2. How do I act like my life, possessions, and time are my own, not God's?

3. Is there any part of my life where I keep God and His people at arm's length? If so, where and why?

4. Do I fail to give God the glory He deserves? Where and why?

5. Where do I think it is OK for me to get the glory (credit), and what can I learn about myself from it?

 

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MS

Michael Scaman

If Psalm 24:3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? sounds familiar it's because this Psalm is a part of a set of matching bookends. - Psalm 15 and Psalm 24. Who can climb the hill is broadened to include those who seek God in Psalm 24. In Psalm 15 the question followed 4 Psalms that heavily concerned the fall of man making one wonder how climbing the mountain of God and dwelling there is even possible. Now the question is framed in a manner open for people who seek God, people who are fallen but counted righteous with the fruit of the kingdom. Not any God. Those who seek the God of Jacob is specified. This is not universalism. Jacob is addressed in another verse. Israel is a more victorious name, The name Jacob conveys struggles and is imperfect. Maybe the Psalm being part of a picture of redemption chose the name Jacob to use here? In contrast to an imperfect Jacob, God is called the King of glory 4 times makes for strong emphasis. The Psalm helps paint a picture of an Identity. It is part of the cross, the crook and the crown Psalms. Psalm 22, 23, 24, The Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, the King. The identity of Messiah coming into view. What is it with those gates looking up into the sky? Maybe as we 'enter into His gates with thanksgiving' we are supposed to remember it's God not the building or place to be the main focus? The gates are personified and told to look up and look up to the King of Glory in Psalm 24. Gates of the temple? That isn’t built yet? gates of the city? Souls are lifted up to God in Psalm 25. Since psalm 24 ends in a selah that may indicate psalm 24 and 25 are meant to be thought of together. As is the case in book 1 of Psalms (Psalms 1-42) the predominant name used is Yahweh three to one over Elohim. O Palmer Robertson sees the predominant use of Yahweh as God being close and these were songs of, for or inspired by worship in the southern Kingdom closer to the tent tabernacle sanctuary and coming fixed stone sanctuary when Solomon builds it. This will flip in book 2 three to one Elohim over Yahweh and that is possibly inspired by the northern kingdom. Note from AI: “Psalm 24 is a poem that explores the meeting of humans and God, and the contrasting natures of the two. It is structured into three parts: Verses 1-2: A declaration of the Lord as the creator of all, Verses 3-6: A liturgy of humans entering God's sphere Verses 7-10: A liturgy of the Lord entering the human sphere “
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Todd enjoyed your deeper dive. Q1 Where do I struggle with believing that I am the king? Usually when I assume this posture over someone when it’s not my position to be in over them Ecclesiastes 8:2-4 Q3 Is there any part of my life where I keep God and His people at arm's length? If so, where and why? Yes. The where isn’t any particular area it’s really more related to particular people. The why is called boundaries. Occasionally His people will be some of the most controlling people you will ever meet. When an arm’s length is the difference between giving up on God or his people I choose the arm length.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Heyyyyyyy Todd! SUPER devo, thank you so much! I heard a wise counselor read Psalm 24:3-6, the verses that describe who may approach God, and ask, "How does that make you feel? How are you doing at qualifying for clean hands and pure heart and no lying or deceit?" Of course, any honest person is going to feel ashamed and unworthy. Not one of us can honestly say, "Well sure, that's me, I identify as that person." But what happens when we read those same verses and ask, "Who do these verses actually describe?" Jesus, of course. He MORE than qualifies as having clean hands and a pure heart, with absolutely no falsehood or deception in Him. He is the *only* person who qualifies to enter His Father's presence. This is the same Jesus who comes to live inside us, re-creating us in His image from the inside out, turning us into the kind of people who DO qualify to approach the throne of God. Not because of anything we are or anything we do, but because of who Jesus is and what He does in and through us. This psalm describes the kind of person that Christ-followers are turning into as we are sanctified and made more like Jesus.
JC

Jason Cromwell

"His name is Jesus, precious Jesus...Son of God and Son of Man" Are there any fellow Gomers out there who sang this Psalm? Grief really teaches you (at least it has for me) what you/I truly believe about God, and man it's convicting!!!!! It's easy when the Sun is shining and your favorite team is playing for the Championship, it's another thing when you're walking through a season of grief and loss to see the goodness of God. Today's Psalm is another reminder that if you are a Christian God's got you no matter the weather.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. It’s cleaner, healthier, and more fun with God as King. 2. I take care of my things better when I care for them like God prefers. 3. I find it best to consult with God and His people as often as possible because they are dear to my heart. 4. No. 5. I receive glory when I celebrate God’s glory. I truly see who I am and what’s available to me in those moments of appreciating what God prefers. Todd - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your honesty in saying, “So what does it look like for me to acknowledge Him as the King of Glory? For me, it means not thinking I can control anything. It means turning to Him with all my cares, all my needs, all my worries, all my joys, all my possessions, my everything”. Great work!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

I too sang this Psalm this morning. “Who is the king of Glory … His name is Jesus, Precious Jesus” Thank you Todd for sharing the places in life where you have to submit to the king. Q1. Time is the one that is the hardest for me consistently to think that I’m in control, instead of asking God for what he has for me today. I so easily lift my soul up to the idol of being distracted on my phone, instead of Seeking the Lord. And yet the one who has clean hands and a pure heart - precious Jesus - gives me the perfect example, and extends the perfect grace to cover my unclean hands and umpire heart.