Who is this King of glory?
Christmas is less than two weeks away. While I find it unbelievable, more troubling is the unbelief I see behind the holiday—Holy-day.
But, the birth of Jesus unveiled the Savior to the world.
The One promised to rescue us from sin, other gods, the enemy, and even ourselves.
And as always, the heavenly Father kept His promise.
God’s Son came to bring the light of heaven to earth.
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was born to die.
Denied earthly glory and fame, Jesus bears a name above every name. He is the King of glory.
Yet the phrase, “The King of glory” is only found once in the Bible, in Psalm 24. It’s one of my favorite passages. So, let’s look at the 10 verses of the Psalm for our list of 4 ways to unveil Jesus this Christmas.
And not only unveil Him in a more meaningful way in our own heart, but also to present Jesus more fully to those around us and to the world.
1.) Creation unveils the King of glory.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV)
Scripture reveals how Jesus, part of the triune God, participated in creation. John 1:3 says all things came into being through Him. Also, Colossians 1:16 confirms, “For by Him all things were created….”
Even the star announcing the arrival of the Christ-child, was created by Him.
2.) Holiness unveils the King of glory.
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. Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV)
The imagery here makes my soul leap and causes me to pause. David knew what it meant to stand in God’s presence. And he knew how sin separated him from God.
The Lord created our souls to desire the ascent up His hill and to stand in His holy place. But it requires we submit to the Lord’s holiness in our lives and allow Him to cleanse us from sin.
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” 1 John 1:7.
3.) Seeking God unveils the King of glory.
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. Selah. Psalm 24:5-6 (ESV)
The Bible encourages us to seek the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness in Matthew 6:33. To pray, seek God’s face, and turn from wicked ways for forgiveness of sin and healing of our land here on earth in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
And Hebrews 11:6 tells us God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
4.) Salvation unveils the King of glory.
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! Selah. Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV)
Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the repetitions of phrases in these verses like those in a song.
“The doors and gates are to be thrown open, thrown wide open, to give him admission, for behold he stands at the door and knocks, ready to come in.”
Henry further notes the Lord desires to be “welcomed by us.”
The King of glory knocks at the door of our hearts. If we open the door, He comes in (Revelation 3:20).
The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.
Merry Christmas!
Also see, 3 Divine Christmas Presents not Under Our Tree.
Images courtesy of Adobe.
