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Psalm 24

The Sovereignty of Jesus Christ

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Introduction

Psalm 24 is a beautiful piece of Hebrew poetry attributed to King David. 
 While this psalm does not explicitly lay out the gospel message, it does point to the majesty of God, the necessity of righteousness, and the glory of divine kingship.

 If you are not born of God and saved, this Psalm might serve as a starting point for spiritual reflection, leading you to ask questions about God, morality, and the meaning of life.

Let us consider some of the themes found in the Psalm, along relevant verses and Christ-focused references:

Theme 1: The Sovereignty of God (Verses 1-2)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.”

• Christ-focused Reference: In Colossians 1:16-17, it says “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
  
  

Talking points:

• Acknowledging God's Ownership: Everything in creation belongs to God. This fundamental truth helps to cultivate a sense of stewardship rather than ownership among believers.
• Foundation of the World: God's act of establishing the world upon the seas indicates His authority and control over the natural world, reflecting His creative power.
• Christ as Creator: In light of Colossians 1:16-17, believers can see Christ as central to creation, highlighting the integral role of Jesus in the Father's sovereign rule over the universe.
• Application: Understanding God's sovereignty helps believers to trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that He holds all things together.

Theme 2: The Holiness and Purity Required to Approach God (Verses 3-6)

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 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.”

• Christ-focused Reference: Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks about how believers can approach God with confidence because of the blood of Jesus, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
  
  

Talking Points:

• Pursuit of Holiness: The description of one with clean hands and a pure heart provides a standard for those seeking to approach God, emphasizing moral integrity and purity.
• Avoidance of Idolatry: The Psalmist warns against putting trust in idols or swearing by false gods, calling believers to undivided loyalty to the Lord.
• Christ as Mediator: Hebrews 10:19-22 presents Jesus as the means by which believers can confidently approach God, having been made holy through His sacrifice.
• Application: Brethren, we are encouraged to live lives of holiness and integrity, continually seeking the face of God and relying on Christ's atoning work for their righteousness.

Theme 3: The Majesty of God and His Kingship (Verses 7-10)

“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.”

• Christ-focused Reference: Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, riding on a white horse and leading the armies of heaven, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
  
  

Talking Points:

• Celebrating God’s Glory: The call to lift up the gates and ancient doors is a poetic way of inviting the King of glory to enter, highlighting God’s majestic presence.
• God’s Might in Battle: The description of God as “strong and mighty” and “mighty in battle” underscores His power and authority over all forces, both natural and spiritual.
• Christ as King of Glory: Revelation 19:11-16 portrays Jesus as the ultimate King of glory, triumphant in battle and reigning over all.
• Final Application: My brothers and sisters in Christ, you are called to recognize and celebrate Christ’s kingship, by submitting to His lordship and finding assurance in His victorious reign.

And now, my friends, the Psalmist lifts our eyes to the gates of heaven, to the everlasting doors, and cries out, “Lift up your heads, that the King of glory may come in!” Who is this King of glory? He is the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. He is the Lord of hosts, the King of glory. Let our hearts be the gates that lift up their heads, that the King of glory may come in. Let us open wide the doors of our souls, that He may enter in, and reign as the King of glory within us.

Summary for the Entire Psalm:

Psalm 24 poetically proclaims the sovereignty of God over all creation, highlighting the requirements for entering into His holy presence, and celebrating His majesty as the King of glory. It creates a powerful image of God’s transcendent holiness and immanent presence among His people.

The themes of the Psalm point forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the requirements of holiness, demonstrates the ultimate sovereignty of God, and reigns eternally as the King of glory. 

Through Christ, believers are invited to approach God with confidence, celebrating His majesty and acknowledging His lordship over all creation.