Return to studies in Psalms                 Return to Sermons                    Return to Home

Presented, April 16, 2006 pm

PSALM 24

ASCENDING INTO THE LORD’S KINGDOM

Tonight we continue our study of the psalms.  This psalm of David was written at an unspecified time.  Possibly, it was penned as the Ark of the Covenant was brought by him to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6).  That surely was a solemn day that David looked forward to.  But we cannot be sure of the time.

I.                     The Earth is the Lord’s (1-2)

a.        David begins by acknowledging his place in God’s presence.
He notes that the earth belongs to the Lord, and the fullness thereof. 
This means that God is in control of all things.  Consider Exodus 9:29, after the seventh plague of hail had destroyed much of Egypt (along with all plagues before it) Moses tells Pharaoh that he will spread out his hands to the Lord and the hail would cease.  HE then said, “the thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, that you may know that the earth is the Lord’s”
OUR verse is also quoted in 1 Corinthians 10:26 where Paul tells brethren to eat in the market place without asking questions (whether or not it was offered to an idol).
NOT only does the earth belong to Him, but its fullness as well.  HE has abundantly blessed the earth.  Consider Genesis 1 as creation is described.  After each day we read, “And God saw that it was good.” (1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25).

b.       He founded it upon the seas.  Not only did God create the world, He also sustains it and controls it.  Note 2 Peter 3:5-7where he reminds scoffers how they willfully forget that God created and controls.
Again Genesis 1:9-10 speaks of Him dividing the waters and dry land.

c.        Thus David starts with an understanding of God’s place in this world.
In everything we do, we ought to start with this understanding.  What we have belongs to the Lord.  We are just stewards and He expects us to be faithful.  1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Luke 17:10
Do we give consideration to that fact as we live our lives?  What about in the way we treat the world and its resources?

II.                   Who May Ascend to His Presence? (3-6)

a.        Vs. 3 - Next, he asks another question.  He asks, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?” 
We might wonder how these verses relate the first two (so do I). 
One possible thought is that having established God greatness within the domain He has placed us, how can we ascend to where He is?  We KNOW that He is not going to permanently dwell here on earth (He is not even coming back to establish an earthly kingdom [John 18:36, Acts 17:24]).  So if we are to be with Him, we must go to where He is. 
And this was the very thing Jesus promised His disciples – John 14:1-3, Hebrews 11:16.
But how?  That is dependant on HOW we live our lives.
I believe David’s inquiry here is a desire to be in heaven with God.  And if that is our desire, this is a question we ought to frequently ask ourselves. 
2 Corinthians 13:5 calls us to examine ourselves as to whether we are in the faith.

b.       In Psalm 15 David listed several things that describe the attitude we need to approach Him. 
Here he again asks the question, but with a different answer (not contradictory):

                                                   i.      Has clean hands and a pure heart.  Actually as these are described, they go together.
Clean hands describes one who is just and honest.  He is NOT involved in that which is dirty.  It describes his outward conduct.  And the way a Christian ought to live.
1 Peter 2:12 speaks of one living with conduct honorable among the Gentiles.
1 Timothy 3:7, an elder must have a good reputation.
Among brethren we need to guard against being caught up in the evils of others – 1 Timothy 5:22
AND it certainly applies as we stand before God.  We must obey Him and do things in a manner that we KNOW He is pleased with us.  Revelation 22:14 says, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
A Pure heart describes our inner attitude. 
While outward action is important so it our attitude. 
Matthew 5:8, blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God
NOTE - James 4:8 calls for brethren to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts if we are to draw near to God.
Brethren, we CANNOT separate action and attitude.  We can have proper actions with an improper attitude and be wrong.  We can also have a proper attitude and improper actions and be wrong.  The ONLY acceptable pairing is BOTH a godly attitude and action.

                                                  ii.      Has not followed after idols.  The KJV says, “he hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity” and the NASV says, “who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood.”  The point of ALL these descriptions is this – they are pursuing their own selfish desires. 
This is one who loves the world and the things in the world (1 John 2:15-16)
He is conceited.  He is covetous (Colossians 3:5 which is idolatry).

                                                iii.      Has not sworn deceitfully.  This describes he who is dishonest.  He will say whatever is pleasing to him – right or wrong.  He lies, gossips, deceives, twists words, etc.
All of these actions are clearly condemned throughout scripture.  Revelation 22:8

c.        Such are pleasing to the Lord – they will receive blessing and righteousness from Him. 
Continually we read of those who are blessed – Matthew 5:3-12, Galatians 3:9, 1 Peter 3:9 – we hope to inherit a blessing.
Righteousness means that we are right with God.  Philippians 3:8-9, Paul gave it all up so that he might have the righteousness of God.

d.       They are Jacob – spiritual Israel.  NOT fleshly, but only those who truly seek Him.  I think of the “chosen generation” of 1 Peter 2:9 and Abraham’s seed – Galatians 3:29.

III.                 Who is the King of Glory? (7-10)

a.        In these verses, you have the scene of a king entering a walled city.  As the king approaches, the gates are lifted up and the king and his party are permitted to enter and welcomed. 

b.       The entering king is identified in vs. 8 & 10.  He is the LORD, (Jehovah). 
Described as mighty and a warrior, Lord of hosts (king of kings and Lord of lords - 1 Timothy 6:15)
and King of Glory.

c.        Most see in these verses the ascension of our Lord back to heaven at the end of His earthly ministry.   And that may be one meaning David has in mind.  If so, it is Messianic as were the last two psalms.

d.       But I see another more practical meaning.  David has a desire to be with the Lord.  He knows his place before Him and he understands the purity of life he needs to be able to approach His LORD.  NOW, he invites THE LORD into his home.  And he is ready to receive Him.

e.        Making application – if we want to spend eternity with the LORD, we need to first cleanse our hearts and lives AND invite HIM in.
Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold I stand at the door and knock…”
In John 14:23, Jesus says, “If any loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

f.         Vs. 9-10 is almost a repetition of vs. 7-8. Remember this is a psalm and much like we would repeat a portion of a song in praise to God.  Some believe that the latter was a response to one singing first.

Thus we see the message of another psalm.  What about your gates?  Will you let the King of Kings into your heart?  How?  Consider Galatians 3:27 which tells us that baptism puts us into Christ.  Have you obeyed His will?