Preparing this devotional has turned out to be more than I bargained for. I was given four pages of instructions on how to write it, including no less than 13 questions to ask myself, and get this – a written admonition not to overthink it! Thankfully, I was also encouraged to write in my own voice and in a way I’m most comfortable. The process has required prayer, and as you’ll see at the end, it’s also inspired a prayer.
The 24th Psalm makes me think of my great kids, hunting, ranching, warning lights, relief, Third Day, football, and some of my favorite passages found elsewhere in the bible. Sounds a little hard to believe, but it’s all true. Read on and see for yourself.
1 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
God tells me very clearly in verse 1 that the earth is his; created by him; sustained by him. When I read about his lordship over the fullness of the earth and the ones living in it, I’m reminded of my sons and daughter in whom I delight, and of James 1:17 which explains how they, as good gifts to me and their mom, are from above coming down from our Father. I’m glad that the earth is the Lord’s and all who dwell therein…especially my kids.
Verses 1 and 2 also remind me of another Psalm, the 50th, verse 10 which says, “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.” Much of my love for hunting is wrapped up in a deep appreciation I have for the magnificence of God’s creation. That kind of appreciation is a little harder to muster up in the city as opposed to the deer woods. When I look at my cows, I’m reminded of he who really owns them...and every other ranchers’, whether they’ll admit it or not. And I’m reminded of the steward I’m called to be of my God’s creation.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 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.
On my way to the deer woods I mentioned in the previous paragraph, there’s a blinking red light at a remote intersection of a couple of rural roads – sort of in the middle of nowhere, but very important. Visibility at that intersection isn’t the best and the speeds at which traffic approaches the intersection are high. Verses 3 and 4 remind me of that warning light in the middle of nowhere. Ignore it, and I risk never getting where I really want to be. Ignore the warning of verses 3 and 4, and I miss the fellowship with my God that I really want.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Verse 5 is a relief. God tells us to expect blessings when we do right. Sometimes that blessing comes simply in a peace that is beyond explanation; my mind and heart at rest in Christ – just as promised in Philippians 4:7. I also find it a relief to know that any righteousness accounted to me did not originate with me, that it’s from the God of my salvation – God’s gift of grace described in Ephesians 2:8.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that lthe King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah
One of my favorite contemporary Christian music groups is Third Day. I read verse 8 and I’m reminded of their song, Who is this King of Glory; a song I’m sure was inspired by the 24th Psalm. In Third Day’s song, they answer the question in a very moving way: “His name is Jesus!”
A high point for me during my high school years was the annual “battle for the ax” football game between the Denison Yellowjackets and Sherman Bearcats. By the way, Denison won this year. Sting ‘em Jackets! During that game more than any other, we were whipped into a frenzy by special cheers in which the whole student body participated. Verses 7 thru 10 read like a cheer where followers of God were being stirred to the highest heights of worship. Imagine the chief priest, aka cheerleader, yelling out, “Lift your heads! Who is this King of Glory?” And then imagine the thunderous response, “The Lord!”
So yes, it’s probably a stretch to get kids, hunting, ranching, warning lights, relief, Third Day, and football out of the 24th Psalm. But I bet you’ll believe my prayer inspired by this Psalm isn’t such a stretch. It goes something like this:
The earth is yours, my Lord. Guide me to steward it wisely and with love for those who dwell in it with me. Keep me from evil deeds, corrupt thoughts, idolatry, and dishonesty. Never let me forget that my righteousness is as filthy rags, that I can do all things you desire only through Christ and that apart from him, I can do nothing good. Thank you for being the God of my salvation and not just my judge. In the name of your son, the King of Glory, I pray. Amen.
-- Lynn Pace