GOD LOVES. GOD CARES. GOD REWARDS.

February 3, 2017

GOD LOVES. GOD CARES. GOD REWARDS.

Psalm 24

Mikaela Mathews

Central Truth

A respectable king takes care of his people. A worthy king blesses his people. An admirable king sacrifices for his people. A King of Glory does all three.

He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
(Psalm 24:5)

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

We all love a good story of relentless pursuit. One where the superhero sacrifices himself for another. One where the boy chases after the girl. One where the coach overcomes impossible obstacles with his team. We love these stories because deep down, we all want to be pursued without limits. We want someone to love us deeply. In Christ, we find it.

Psalm 24 concludes a trilogy that unveils God’s own relentless pursuit of us. In Psalm 22, we see that God sacrifices for His sheep. Psalm 23 reveals that God cares for His sheep. And finally, in Psalm 24, God rewards His sheep.

It would be more than enough for an omnipotent God to sacrifice His Son on our behalf. But God wants to make His love for us clear. He isn’t going to just sacrifice for us. He’s going to care for us in green pastures and still waters. And He’s going to give us a sweet blessing.

In Psalm 24:4, David reminds us that this blessing isn’t given out recklessly, however. It’s given to those who have clean hands and a pure heart, with right actions and right attitudes. Does this mean we must earn our salvation or this blessing? By no means! Verse 6 shows us that right actions and right attitudes are sought after. Our journeys will echo that of Jacob, who wrestled with God. We will have times with dirty hands and a blemished heart. God, in His infinite mercy, wants a heart who seeks after Him, even with the struggle.

So, what blessing should we, as His sheep, expect? More money, more comfort, more power? No, something far better.

Verses 7-10 show us our blessing: the King of Glory. David commands the gates lifted and the doors raised to welcome in this majestic King. The One who laid down His life for our benefit. The One who cares for us by green pastures. The One who lavishes us with blessing and righteousness. Our reward is a relationship with Him! Praise Him, praise Him!

1. In what areas of your life have you seen God relentlessly pursue you?

2. Read again Psalm 22-24. How do you see God’s love, care, and reward in these psalms?

3. What does it look like to have clean hands and a pure heart in you every day?

4. What steps can you take today to seek after right actions and right attitudes?