Iconic Glory ∙∙

Iconic Glory ∙∙

Who is the King of glory? – Psalms 24:8

Psalms 24:7-10

 7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.

 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

 10 Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies – he is the King of glory.

The “Miracle on Ice”: A Historic Triumph

The “Miracle on Ice” occurred during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, on February 22. This legendary event featured the United States hockey team, made up of the youngest players in the tournament and in U.S. national team history, facing off against the heavily favored Soviet Union. The Soviet team, composed of experienced professionals, had dominated the Winter Olympics, winning gold in five of the past six Games.

Against all odds, the U.S. team pulled off a stunning victory, creating one of the most iconic moments in sports history. The final seconds of the game were immortalized by Al Michaels’ famous call for ABC: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” This moment resonated so profoundly that in 1999, Sports Illustrated named the “Miracle on Ice” the greatest sports moment of the 20th century.

Holiness in the Scriptures: A Divine Distinction

In the Scriptures, contact with unclean objects or people results in the transfer of uncleanness. Conversely, holiness works differently; it is not transferred through physical contact but is instead by the Lord’s spoken word or His immediate presence. This distinction emphasizes the unique and sacred nature of holiness.

Exodus 3:5: “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”

This moment, when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, shows how the Lord’s presence consecrates and makes a place holy. It is His presence alone that transforms the ordinary into the sacred.

The Father’s Iconic Holiness and Glory

The Father God is the epitome of majestic and iconic holiness. His glory is unmatched, and there is none like Him. He is the King of glory, deserving of all honor and reverence.

Psalms 24 celebrates the Father’s unparalleled glory and holiness. David writes this Psalm to commemorate a significant moment in Israel’s history. After conquering the Jebusite citadel, David transformed the backwater city of Jebus into Jerusalem, the city of David. This is recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:5-7: “David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David.”

The Arrival of the Ark: A Transformative Moment

Psalms 24 was composed to commemorate David’s arrival in Jerusalem with the ark of the covenant. The ark represented the primary dwelling place of the Lord’s presence on earth during the reign of Israel’s kings. When David brought the ark into Jerusalem, the city was forever changed. The presence of the Lord consecrated Jerusalem, setting it apart as holy and dedicated to His purposes.

Jerusalem, once known as the city of David, became Jerusalem, the city of the Lord. This transformation highlights the power of God’s presence to redefine and sanctify, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Psalms 24:7 is a triumphant call to worship, exalting the moment with vivid imagery: “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” This verse portrays a grand and reverent invitation, symbolizing the opening of hearts and spaces to welcome the majestic presence of the King of glory.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father resides in unmatched splendor and glory, deserving our highest respect and steadfast commitment. His presence transforms and sanctifies, making what is ordinary set apart for His divine purposes.

Father, Your glory is beyond compare, yet I often catch only fleeting glimpses of its beauty. Draw me closer to You, that I may dwell in Your presence and honor You with my life. May Your unmatched magnificence inspire my highest devotion and commitment.

INSIGHT

The Earth Belongs to the Lord

Psalms 24:1 declares the sovereignty of the living God over all creation. The heavens, the earth, and everything within them are His personal possessions. As Creator, He holds ultimate authority and ownership over all that exists. “The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.”

Every individual and generation bears the responsibility to seek the Father and find Him. For those who are children of the King, entering His presence is a sacred honor. He welcomes us with open arms, allowing us to experience the joy and depth of His lovingkindness.

However, Psalms 24 is not about us; it is entirely about the Lord. It resounds with shouts of joy and acclamation, proclaiming that He is the King of glory. To be the King of glory means that the highest honor and reverence belong to Him alone. There is no one greater to whom we owe allegiance. It emphasizes the Lord’s supreme authority, divine splendor, and unparalleled greatness. It encapsulates His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation, the source of all glory, and the one to whom all worship and allegiance are due.

Hebrews 6:13: “When God made the promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name.”

The Lord is not only glorious; He is the King of glory, the pinnacle of excellence, the summit of splendor, and the mountaintop of majesty. He is the eternally blessed God.

This is echoed regarding the Lord Jesus Christ in Romans 9:5: “Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.”

The King of Glory: Strong and Mighty

Psalms 24:8-10: “Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them, 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.”

This passage praises the Lord’s greatness and power through a powerful chant and responsive call. David expresses his awe in recognizing the Lord Almighty as the King of glory, our Creator, and the ultimate ruler over everything. He is strong and a warrior who fights for His people.

The title “King” signifies God’s total control over the universe. As the King of glory, He reigns over all creation, both seen and unseen, with unmatched power.

The term “glory” refers to God’s radiant magnificence and presence. Being the King of glory means that God embodies the highest majesty and excellence, far beyond human comprehension. Iconic, majestic glory is the essence of His divine nature and character.

As the King of glory, God not only shines majestically but also fights mightily for His people, delivering them from their enemies and ensuring victory.

Experiencing the Presence of the Warrior King

Yet despite His unmatched majesty, the King of glory is accessible and approachable, and He desires a relationship with His people. He is welcoming and intimately present. He invites children of the King to enter His presence, to know Him, experience His glory, trust in His power, and dwell with Him.

He challenges us to open the “gates” of our hearts and lives, allowing His presence to reign within us.

When the Lord Jesus Christ enters our hearts, He makes it possible for every child of the King to experience His presence. As we surrender control and allow Him to reign within us, we find joy and fulfillment in His rule.

F. B. Meyer writes, “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.”

The Lord of Hosts

The title “Lord of hosts” highlights the Lord’s supreme authority over all creation. The Hebrew term “tsaba,” often translated as “hosts,” refers to a “vast multitude, evoking imagery of an army or a legion of troops.” This term is transliterated into English as “Sabaoth,” representing the Lord’s almighty power and sovereignty.

This expression can be understood as “The Lord who is the strongest of all” or “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” It conveys the image of “a divine warrior commanding all the forces of heaven and earth.” He is omnipotent, unconquerable, and utterly supreme.

Pause for a moment, close your eyes, and envision the Father as a divine warrior-king, all-powerful and able to deliver His people from calamity and chaos. His strength knows no bounds, and His victories are assured.

Yet, despite His omnipotence, this King remains approachable. He is not merely a mighty warrior but also our Abba Father, inviting His children to come to Him, as expressed in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

An Invitation to Rest in the King’s Presence

The King of glory, though sovereign and all-powerful, embodies tenderness and compassion. He calls His children to find refuge in Him, offering rest and peace to those who are weary. His unmatched majesty is beautifully intertwined with a deep love for His people, making Him both awe-inspiring and profoundly personal.

As the Lord of hosts, He fights on our behalf, delivering us from struggles and providing strength in our moments of weakness. As our Abba Father, He draws us close, offering comfort and rest in His presence. The King of glory stands as our protector and refuge, truly deserving of our highest honor and devotion.

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© Dr. H 2025