“Who is this King of glory?”
Psalm 24:10
My Beloved Ones in Christ,
Have you ever forgotten what you are doing. . . in the middle of doing it?
Perhaps this is more common the older we get. Yet I’m sure that many of us, for example, have gotten up from the couch, headed to the kitchen to fetch a snack, and then somewhere along that short journey forgotten what we got up for in the first place. While it could be a sign of sleep-deprivation, illness, or creeping age, I suspect it is more a matter of distraction. We really haven’t ‘forgotten,’ we’ve only allowed our minds to be momentarily turned away toward one or more of the other multitudinous thoughts that persistently vie for supreme attention in our brains.
Generally speaking, such lapses into distraction are part and parcel of every-day life and are mostly harmless. But there is one place where such ‘forgetfulness’ is terribly damaging, and also easiest to fall into.
David sets this before us in Psalm 24. This is a psalm about worship, elegantly depicted as ascending “the hill of the Lord” (v. 3). Perhaps it was recited by Israelite worshippers as they made their way up to Jerusalem during one of the Jewish festivals. What’s interesting, however, is that twice in this psalm David raises the question about “Who” it is that the worshippers are really seeking to worship in the first place (vv. 8, 10).
Of course, the answer is “the Lord, strong and mighty” (v. 8), and “the Lord of hosts” (v. 10). Along the way, those making their trip to the holy city need to remind themselves that they are servants and worshippers of the One who is, indeed, “The LORD” and “the King of glory.”
Crazy, isn’t it! Worshippers forgetting, or losing sight of, the very One they are worshipping!
On this new Monday, let’s consider briefly how this inspired reminder helps us as we worship and serve our great King and Savior.
First, this psalm is instructive about more than just Sunday morning worship. Of course, we face the very real danger of losing track of what we are doing as we worship each Lord’s Day. Going through the motions of worship is a persistent temptation. But we need to expand the application of this psalm to how we live from Monday through Saturday.
In the New Covenant, we are always offering to God our very bodies as acceptable sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). Worship is a 24/7 duty and delight. This means that, by the exercise of great discipline, we must always remember that “the Lord of Hosts” is our King, Savior, Lover, Protector, and the only One worthy of our deepest affection and loyalty. All of life is worship for those who have been transformed by His redeeming grace!
Then, it is when we are living in the radiant light of “the King of glory” that all secondary matters and daily distractions seem to fade away, or at least find their proper place. We must allow the radiance of His attributes and effulgence of His holiness to blast away all of the pesky distractions that befall us each day, and which tempt us to forget that we serve and belong to an awesome God! The bigger and brighter our LORD is, the more insignificant the cares and worries of this life become.
Finally, as we work very hard at remembering the God we serve and love, there is a deeper rest that we come to experience. It seems odd to say it this way; that work results in rest. But it is true nonetheless! In this psalm, David gives us some identifying qualities of the God we are to work hard to remember.
He is Owner and Establisher of all creation (vv. 1-2).
He is the God of our eternal salvation (v. 5).
He is the invincible Warrior and Defender of His people (v.8).
Creator, Savior, Defender. What else do we need? Who else could we ever need? If He is all of this and more, then we need not be intimidated by the hollow boasts of the evil one or his minions. We need not be overly concerned about the threats and taunts of wicked men and their kingdoms, which are destined for judgment and destruction. We need not worry at all even about what we shall eat, drink, or wear (Matthew 6:25). For our great LORD and King has placed His infinite love upon us, and will richly provide all that we need! Today, like every day, will be a “Sabbath rest” for all who are in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 4:9).
So, as you begin this new week, allow me to encourage you not to forget what you’re doing. Every moment you will live, every breath you will take, every decision you will make, and even each thought that you will think will be engaged in as a worshipper and child of “the King of glory,” the “LORD of hosts”! Don’t dare forget the One who will never forget you!
You are my joy, my delight, and I love you all with all my heart!
Mike