Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The King of Glory
It is entirely appropriate that the Shepherd’s Psalm, Psalm 23, be followed by a psalm extolling the King of Glory. God is an effective Shepherd of His flock because He is the King of Glory. No human shepherd (or “under-shepherd” as in the case of the New Testament pastor) can meet needs as can the heavenly Shepherd, the King of Glory.
In Psalm 24, David sings of God’s right to rule. He is, after all, the Creator—with every right over His creation (1, 2). Folks who declare their independence from God would do well to realize that He will have the final say. One may live like there is no God; but he can’t die like that. Death reveals God’s right and authority to the most ardent atheist.
David also declares God’s right to set the standard (3-6). Note, if you will, that God’s standard for man involves “clean hands” and a “pure heart” (4). Realistically, no one can meet God’s perfect standard in his own strength. Christ, the New Testament declares, has met God’s standard for us—He lived a sinless life. He also paid the penalty for our sins—He died as a blood sacrifice on our behalf.
It’s popular today for folks to “make their own way” to God. Contemporary theology, awash with existentialist thought, emphasizes the sincerity of the individual. That’s too bad, because God—and God alone—has the right to set the standards. And He has done so: The King of Glory demands perfection. But He has also provided perfection—in Christ.
