May 16: Psalm 24
The King of Glory enters the gates
11.11.11.11 Foundation (How Firm a Foundation)
St. Denio (Immortal, Invisible)
The earth and the riches with which it is stored,
The world and its dwellers, belong to the Lord.
For He on the seas its foundation has laid,
And firm on the waters its pillars has stayed.
O who shall the mount of Jehovah ascend?
Or who in the place of His holiness stand?
The man of pure heart and of hand without stain,
Who has not sworn falsely nor loved what is vain.
He shall from Jehovah a blessing receive;
The God of salvation shall righteousness give.
Thus looking to Him is a whole bless-ed race,
All those who, like Jacob, are seeking Your face.
O gates, lift your head! Ageless doors, lift them high!
The great King of glory to enter draws nigh!
O who is the king that in glory draws near?
The Lord, mighty Lord of the battle is here!
O gates, lift your heads! Ageless doors, lift them high!
The great King of glory to enter draws nigh!
This great King of glory, O Who can He be?
Jehovah of hosts, King of glory is He!
Psalm 24 is a celebration of the Lord’s entrance into that heavenly sanctuary and royal court of heaven. But “who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” This “blessing from the Lord and righteousness” is the eternal redemption won for us by the sacrifice of Jesus. This King of Glory comes to the entrance of heaven with the blood of the conflict still fresh upon Him and a kind of dialogue takes place as the angels call for the opening of the portcullis at the approach of the returning Warrior: “Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” By virtue of the redemption, all of creation belongs to this Jesus, King and Priest. Thus, the psalm begins: “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” (Reardon, p. 45-46)