God's world or ours?

 

Psalm 24

God versus the dictators 

What is your favorite destination? If you’re a traveler, the Jamison and Megalong Valleys where you’ll discover the Three Sisters in Australia’s Blue Mountains, or the iridescent blue of Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada may have captured your imagination. Can you doubt God’s majesty when such magnificence grabs your attention?

King David had wandered the rugged hills of Israel and rested beside crystal clear pools. I wonder where he was when he wrote Psalm 24.

 

 The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Psalm 24:1a

Was David spellbound by the vast expanse of the countryside, humbled by God’s exceptional creative power? When he received Samuel’s anointing and later ascended Israel’s throne, he already knew he ruled under God’s highest authority.

But how does God’s power apply today in our teeming cities where leaders of myriad persuasions pursue authority?

Nothing has changed, for, in King David’s words, “The world and all its people belong to him.” Psalm 24:1b.

 

Visit New York, Manila, London, Vienna, Rome or Jerusalem where people of every race and color weave through the streets and cruise the highways. Some love God with all their hearts, and others despise him. These differences can’t alter the facts. We’re all creatures of God’s creation and we belong to him because he formed us from the dust of the earth.

 

Why should everyone submit to God? Because he created us and the universe in which we live.

  

He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean’s depths.

Psalm 24:2.

 

The Genesis account of creation reveals God created the sea and lifted the dry ground from beneath the oceans. I can’t imagine the tremendous power he used to do this. Experiencing an earthquake is unsettling, especially when the ground shudders beneath you. Yet, from this earth shattering event, he has created exquisite beauty. The earth’s ascent from the ocean depths, coupled with the surging waves, would have created an incredible spectacle as God created continents and islands.

 

He is everywhere. One might summit Everest, or plumb ocean depths, yet our Creator is always near to us. He upholds everything and everyone by the power of his word.

 

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:7.8. NIV.

 

Although God is everywhere, we aren’t always aware of him.

 

“Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy Place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” Psalm 24:3-4.

 

 When Christians travel to another country, go on a pilgrimage or worship in a foreign church, they discover joyful fellowship with strangers who also love Jesus. He is in their midst, and that’s where we may find him. I’ve worshipped in a Filipino village church and enjoyed a wonderful visit with the pastor. We sang praise songs, listened to the Bible, and prayed together. On another occasion, I worshipped with the Lord’s people in a church in Portland, Oregon. They welcomed me and offered me transport back to my accommodation after the service. In my home church, we meet for communion each week. Jesus lives in and among us wherever we go. Jesus promised to stay with us and never leave us. Although we’re not on a mountain top, we lift our hearts in pure love and adoration for God, who has cleansed us from our sin through his blessed Son, and transformed our hearts.

 We stand in God’s presence to glorify him. He’s blessed us with his abiding presence.

 

They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God, their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

Psalm 24:5,6.

 

King David sacrificed sheep to the Lord as atonement for his sins, but Jesus’ sacrifice paid the final price for our redemption. If we confess our sins and receive forgiveness, he gives us a pure heart. I John 1:9. We’re free to worship him as the Holy Spirit leads us.

 

“Open up, O ancient gates…, and let the King of Glory enter.” Psalm 24:7.

 

King David envisioned the city gates of Jerusalem, pleading with the people to open their hearts to the Lord. When Jesus rode on a donkey into the same city centuries later on Palm Sunday, the people heralded their king, David’s greater Son. They praised him, proclaiming his sovereignty, recognizing his superiority over their human leaders. We may echo their praise as we welcome Jesus into our hearts each day as we awake.

 

  “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 21:9.

Although they spread palms in his honor a week later, the authorities crucified him. Was he the King of Glory?

Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies - he is the King of Glory. Psalm 24:10.

 

Yes! To the citizens of Jerusalem, his glory had been stripped from him when he submitted to crucifixion because they replaced it with shame.

 

 But God transformed their heinous deeds into a perfect sacrifice. Never forget, our sin also held him on the cross. It wasn't only the Romans, but because Jesus loved us and submitted to the shame for our sake.

 

And in heaven’s courts, King Jesus had conquered Satan, death, and sin. He is the King of Glory. He is victorious, and God has exalted him above his fellows. There is no other name given among men whereby we can be saved. See Philippians 2:5-11.

 

Whether we submit to Jesus or defy his authority, he is Lord over everyone and everything.

 

   Let’s worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness because he made us and cares for us. As we submit to his authority, and accept his loving gift of salvation, we become the citizens of his kingdom. He carries us through fiery trials as he rules and protects us. The Prince of peace has fought for and won our peace, which no one can steal. John 14:27. Since his way is best, will you submit to his authority today? John 14:6. Does your heart burn within you?

 

                              He is worthy, this mighty King of Glory.

 

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:12 NLT.

      Will you join me in worship? I’ve just discovered this amazing version of a favorite worship hymn.

                                                    https://youtu.be/gV9SInravYg  

                                      May God be with you until we meet at Jesus’ feet.