KING OF GLORY

In yesterday’s reading we noticed that the Lord, Jehovah, is the gentle shepherd caring for His people. But today’s reading shows that same Lord assuming His rightful place as the eligible ruler, having world dominion.

Psalm 24 is the only place in scripture the term ‘King of glory’ is used. The prophetic picture is of the Lord coming to reign on the earth at the close of the tribulation period. He approaches the gate of the city of Jerusalem. The King of glory is announced and the call is given to open the gates. The gatekeeper hesitates and asks, ‘Who is this King of glory?’ The answer comes back, ‘The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle’. He will already have shown His power and might in defeating the enemies of God and His people. He enters the city as the victor over all.

But He does not assume the kingly role because of might alone. He ascends into the hill of the Lord, verse 3, because of His moral qualifications as the One with ‘clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully’, v. 4. The One who reigns in righteousness will have an unassailable rule. No enemy will successfully overcome Him. His double qualification of righteousness and might ensure that His is an everlasting rule.

The believer in Christ knows the King of glory now. We have already opened the doors of our hearts to Him. F. B. Meyer wrote, ‘This Psalm is accomplished in us when Jesus enters our hearts as our King to reign, and it will have its full realization when the earth and its population welcome Him as its Lord’.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who will rightfully be the King of glory. Such glory will never corrupt the incorruptible One. He shall bear it forever and ever. Worship Him today as the King of glory.

King of my life I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary. [Jennie Evelyn Hussey]