“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
The earth and everything in the earth belong to God. Further, the world and everyone who has ever existed and will ever exist are God’s property. All-encompassing. Every single thing. Every person. All and every. Forever.
“Forever he is ours, forever we are his.” Gerhardt Ter Steegen, Hymns of Ter Steegan and Others
The world is founded by God. It is established by God. The fullness thereof. We are his, and he is ours. We were created. Those who dwell therein.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” Psalm 24:3-4
If God has founded and established the world and if everything and everyone are his, then who among us can approach him. Add sin to our dilemma, and no one is worthy. Only those with clean hands and pure hearts can enter his presence.
Luke tells us, “But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death…” (Acts 2:24). Not one of us is worthy to ascend the hill of the Lord except that the Lord paid the way for us. Death is conquered and we are clean and pure. We may now stand in the holy place of God. As Mark Vroegop has said, “…God can take the most unjust moment in history and turn it into redemption…”
“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, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” Psalm 24:7-8
If you’re facing loss, remember you are God’s property. He knows you. He cares for you. He invites you to put faith in him, ascend his holy hill, and stand in his holy place. He has purchased your freedom. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He has walked difficult paths before you ever faced your difficult journey.
Therefore, stand and watch as the King of glory enters. The strong and mighty Lord who is mighty in battle. Gates are granted confidence to lift up their heads. Ancient doors are lifted up.
Loss steals you away. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Brokenness prevails. But the King of glory has redeemed and purchased back his property. John 10:10 goes on to say that Jesus came that they might have life and have abundant life. Lift up your head. Be lifted up ancient doors.
The King of glory who is strong and mighty has come to buy back everything contained on the earth and everyone who lives in the world. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Stand firm under the comforting protection of our King of glory.
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!” Psalm 24:10
Read the E-book Facing Loss: Lessons of Hope from My Unwanted Journey
I was listening to worship songs and “Jesus, You Alone” came on just as I saw your blogpost in my email box. First words? “Who is the great King of glory…?” :) Thank you for sharing these posts from the Psalms.
And thank you, Susan, for your encouragement and your incredible writings also. The Psalms is indeed a treasure trove during loss…and anytime other than loss.
This King of Glory is comforting, at this moment, people I know and loved ones of friends, who passed away today, to their heavenly home. The youngest was 10. None of these people knew each other, but I am thankful to God for His goodness and His grace.
Thank you, D. Ray, for sharing your heart to be a blessing and encouragement to so many. I am going to share this on my page, praying for those who are in need of God’s comfort and healing right now. Blessings.
I am so sorry to hear of so many losses at this time in your circle…and of one so young. I’m grateful that the “King of glory” is a comfort to anyone who will bow before him. He has been a comfort to me and has inspired my trust in him.