Everything there is – all of it – belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). We are claimed by God Almighty.

This psalm of ascending “the hill of the Lord” to “stand in his holy place” (24:3) was a marching song: it was written to be sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, as they came up the final slope of road into the city. It is an exultant affirmation that forever and ever we belong to God.

Yet it also recognizes that we have no permission to presume upon this relationship. God calls us to draw near with clean hands and pure hearts, avoiding idolatry and falsehood (24:3-6). The claim of God upon our lives isn’t just a theory that we sometimes talk about, or a religious sentiment we feel from time to time. It tells us that who we are, what we do, and how we live should all demonstrate our relationship with our Lord.

We maybe haven’t done too well at that; yet here we are, part of the parade, exulting as we march up to the gates of the holy city as followers of the King: “Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of Glory may come in” (24:7). Do you ask who this King of Glory might be? It is Yahweh, strong and mighty! It is the Lord, who is able to win every battle! (24:8). So listen, all you bystanders: come march with us! And you gatekeepers: open up those gates! Because the glorious King, the Lord of the hosts of heaven, is coming (24:9-10)!

* * * * *

You are the Lord! It’s pretty astonishing that you would let us see the parade, let alone march in it: but you invite us to come along, to sing and shout, and to exult in the wonder of your majesty and love. Wow. And Hallelujah!