Day 18 of Lent, Psalm 24:

Often Kings are recognized for their splendor, riches and vast domain. Possibly, impressed by their own power, wealth and decadent life, some kings unwisely displayed their riches or attempted to control beyond their reach.  A King is to be known by their magnificence.

God, is the “King of Glory,” and like other kings, He richly displays His splendor and magnificence. There a couple things that strike me about this, “King of glory,” in Psalm 24. He is not only King over a large domain, but He is also very different from other kings.  This short Psalm shouts out His glory.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.

For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.

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 falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob.

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 lift them 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. 

 His domain is huge! Creation is the King’s domain. This includes the entire Universe, the world, everything in it, including the people. Also, His splendor is displayed, not for just a few respectable or honored people but, on the earth for all to see and observe. His glory has no limit.

The second thing that strikes me: the King of glory– the King of the Universe– humbled Himself as a lowly servant of the people. The King became small. The King’s life was given for a people, who needed “clean hands and a pure heart,” to be called His very own and called for His Kingdom. No, He is not like other kings. This is the King of Glory: He is the King of the Universe and the Servant of all.

Prayer:
Lord, You are King over the Universe;
King over this world, and King over my life.
Thank you for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed, cleansing me from my sins.
Thank you for sealing me with your Spirit and giving me eternal life.

 God is King over all.