Psalm 24
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Most of us have seen only a small part of the earth, and do not think how vast it is. Men and nations claim much, or all, for their own; perhaps we all think our homes, our things, our pets, belong to us or to our parents. But this psalm is for a time to cone when people will know and give honor to the Lord, as the owner of the earth, all that is on it, and the people themselves.
Although the Lord is so great He has always wished, to have the thanks of people on earth, and these verses speak of the “hill of the Lord”, meaning the place where he could be honored; and the question is asked,
“Who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”
That does not mean one whose hands are made clean with soap and water, even then the heart would not be pure. There has never been but One on earth whose hands did no sin, and whose heart was pure; that One was God’s Son the Lord Jesus, and true praise can now he given only because of Him, and at last there will be perfect praise.
A very great King is also told of,—the King of glory. David was a king many years, but he twice repeats in very beautiful words about this far greater King to come:
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.”
When Jesus was on earth and stood he before the Roman governor in Jerusalem He was asked if He were the king of Jews, and He answered,
“Thou sayest”, which meant, “Yes” or “It is true.” But the Jewish leaders did not want Him for king. Yet God’s Word shows that the One then refused will at last rule, not only over Israel, but over all the earth.
To open or “lift up the gates” means to welcome, so there will at last be a welcome for the great King of Glory. His “host”, or army, will not be like the armies, of kings now, and we cannot describes that time, but there will he peace and right or the earth.
From the New Testament we learn that before that time, the Lord Jesus will call those who believe in Him to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:1414For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14).-18; Rev. 3:1010Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10)). It is also shown that the evils of earth will be punished by His power, and He will rule over all. It is not told when this time will be, but it gives patience to all who believe God’s words, when they see or hear of battles and wrongs on earth, to wait God’s time for peace by this great King of glory.
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,.... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10,1110That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10‑11). (See Colossians 1:13-2013Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:13‑20).
ML 08/04/1940