In the last psalm, we saw God as a loving shepherd. Here we see him as king.
On what basis does he claim that title? That he is our creator. David sang,
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)
Just about everyone acknowledges that if you make something with your own materials and with your own hands, what you create belongs to you.
In the same way, God created everything, including you and me, and so rightfully, we belong to him. And one day we will have to give an account to our King.
Who will be able to stand before God on that day?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. (Psalm 24:4-6)
Note here that it’s not enough to live a “good life.” You also need to acknowledge God as your King. As your God. As your Savior.
Not only that, you need a heart that seeks his face.
That is what is important to God. That we would put our faith in him, trusting in him each day.
That’s what saved Abraham in the Old Testament. It’s what justified him before God, even though Abraham himself failed many times.
And it’s what saved and justified everyone who followed him, even down to our day.
It is these people that God says will receive blessing from him and be vindicated on that day.
How about you? Have you made room in your heart for him as your king? David wrote,
Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty —
he is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:7-10)
Let us open the gates to our hearts and make way for our King to not only enter, but to have his way in our lives.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 