Praise Reflection (15 June) – The King of Glory Comes
Psalm 24
The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it;
for he has 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 blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Saviour.
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 the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates,
be lifted up, you ancient doors
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The LORD Almighty – he is the King of glory.
The imagery of this psalm evokes the welcome of a most honoured guest. Gates and ancient doors are lifted up – flung wide open. In our days the red carpet would be rolled out. But the guest the psalmist has in mind brings his own glory with him eclipsing all trimmings.
Who is this guest? He is the Creator and owner of the world. He is the Saviour who gives blessing and vindication. He is strong and mighty in battle, and we know that, in Jesus, he has conquered sin and death. He is the King of glory.
What gifts does this guest bring with him? He offers forgiveness and the power of the precious Blood of Jesus to make our hands clean, our hearts true and pure. He offers abundant life for now and for eternity, and the mind-blowing promise of seeing his glory and sharing in it.
How can I make this guest welcome? First, open the doors. Trust him to take charge, and surrender everything to him. Respond to his love with thanks and praise because this guest is worthy of all the worship we can offer.
Reflect and Respond
Read the psalm slowly and speak your own words of loving welcome and praise.
Then, read it again asking him to shine his light on any dark corners that need cleansing in the light of his truth and purity.
Praise
Lord our God, I worship you – the King of Glory. You created all things and you faithfully sustain the world. I praise you that you love the world so much you sent your beloved Son to die for us, and I bow before you in wonder that you want to bring many sons and daughters to glory. Accept my praise through Jesus who prayed that we might be with him and see his glory. (John 17:24)
Thank you for your indescribable gift!
Song
The King of Love (JK Jamieson & Stuart Townend)
Link – https://youtu.be/lnDLe8LYdNI
Prayer
Gracious Lord, please help me to open more and more doors to you in every part of my life. Give me grace to welcome my Saviour as Lord of every moment. May I see your glory in the face of Jesus and worship you with a thankful heart.
Praise Resources from The International Anglican Order of The Cross (TIAOC) April 2020