SCRIPTURE: Psalm 24
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [Psalm 24:9] There is only one real God, and that God is the glorious King of the universe. God is King, whether we accept it or not. Unfortunately, because of the blindness of sin, we do not accept it, we do not see it. David writes this Psalm to impress on all people (not just the people of Israel) that Yahweh is God alone, over all the earth. At that time, people thought of gods as having territory, each being sovereign in their own land. But David declares that God is over all lands, all places, and everyone had better accept Him. On one level, the hill of the Lord is the capitol of Israel (Jerusalem) with its gates; David is calling the people to accept God as King. But on another level, the gates and doors that need to open are human hearts – we need to accept God as King!

Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ [Luke 23:34] Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the king. Unfortunately, because of the blindness of sin, most people did not accept it, did not see it. But some did, including this criminal on the cross. Somehow, he saw that this dying man beside him was the king of the world, and Lord over death, and that somehow he could still be a part of that kingdom even though he died. What amazing insight! The gates and doors of his heart opened, and he was able to allow the King of glory to come it.

At the end of the day, the only question we need to answer is, what are we going to do with Jesus. Will we accept that He is the King of the Universe, and that we must surrender to Him? One day every knee will bow, but the greatest treasure is for those who gladly choose Him now!

But what about the clean hands part? Who is clean enough, worthy enough, to received and blessed by Him? Look again at the man on the cross – he was a murderer, a criminal, a sinner who deserved to die. But by humbly receiving Jesus as Lord, he became worthy, acceptable. Apparently, being clean is not about being perfect or sinless, but about being humble and honest. This is what God is looking for [think about Jesus parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Luke 18:9-14]

This psalm is a call to surrender to Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and to trust Him for blessing, belonging and security. Will you? Will I?

PRAYER:
Lord, I have surrendered many times, only to take charge of my own life again. Forgive me, and help me to fully surrender to You, my King!