READ
The hosts stood outside the gate, bearing the Ark of God. They stood beneath the gate, calling to the guards, “Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in!”
And the guards called out to them, “Who is this King of Glory?”
It’s a question the multitudes in Jerusalem asked, as they tossed their palm branches on the ground. The King of Glory was coming in.
-Brian Rhea
TEXT
Psalm 24 NRSV
The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the LORD,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O 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 gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory. Selah
READ
Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high,
Behold the King of glory nigh!
Who can this King of glory be?
The mighty Lord, the Savior’s he.
Ye heav’nly gates, your leaves display,
To make the Lord the Savior way:
Laden with spoils from earth and hell,
The Conqueror comes with God to dwell.
Raised from the dead, he goes before;
He opens heav’n’s eternal door,
To give the saints a blessed abode,
Near their Redeemer and their God.
—Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
from “Psalm 24”