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.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
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!
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!
Psalm 24:3-10
I began observing the Lenten season as a college student, and over the years it has become a season of intentional re-calibration. What do I mean by that? It means that I attempt to re-examine my relationship with Jesus. This is not typically a fun experience, as I always find that I am not nearly as faithful or loving as Jesus – I am an imperfect Christ follower.
Psalm 24 is a helpful tool for examining my heart, and it sets the tone for a more meaningful Lent. The psalm begins with a declaration, a statement of fact: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (1-2). These verses remind me that this God, this Jesus whom I love and follow, is no ordinary deity. He is The ONE. He is the God of Everything. This knowledge should keep me in a state of permanent humility, awe, and reverence.
But often I find myself drawn to a more casual approach. Now, Jesus does refer to Himself as our friend, brother, and father, and these roles are not to be diminished. However, it is a failure on my part if I only approach Him in these roles and ignore the fact that He sits on a throne – that He is the King of Glory!
The next part of the psalm (3-6) asks the question, and gives us the answer: Who can ascend His holy hill? Someone with clean hands and a pure heart, who has been saved by the sacrifice of Christ. When I think about approaching the Lord, these verses make it clear that I must repent and be forgiven so that I am made worthy to stand before the King of Glory! And only Jesus, by His body and blood can do that for me.
The final part of this psalm (7-10) is so comforting and triumphant for all Believers! The picture I have in my mind, as I meditate on this psalm and re-examine my life with Christ, is that as I approach Him in humility and repentance, Jesus, the King of Glory is moving toward me with forgiveness and grace until we meet, victorious in His Resurrection!
Lent leads me through these steps:
1. Acknowledge and remember that Jesus is the Holy King of Glory!
2. Repent and move toward Him in a posture of humility and forgiveness. This is made possible because of Christ’s sacrifice and gift of salvation.
3. Prepare to meet this King of Glory as He comes to me, victorious over sin and death!
God bless you!
Shireen
