Psalm 24 The King of Glory

The presence of God is a very important subject in the Scriptures. Psalm 24 addresses the issue like this: God is the Creator of all there is in the heavens, on the earth, in the sea, and in the sky, whether things or creatures, all has been created by God. Not only that, but God is the rightful owner of it all including our own lives. So how can we be in the presence of such an awesome God???

The requirements to stand in God's presence are pretty demanding. We must have clean hands, a pure heart, never lift our souls to what is false, and never swear deceitfully. Where are we going to find someone like that? Well the answer is right there in Psalm 24:5-6 "He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness form the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob." In other words, God himself saves us and makes us righteous transforming us into his people. It is his doing; all we need is to seek him.

This majestic God is not content to remain in the heavens to have us try to reach him. God makes his entry into human time and space to commune with us. The ark of the covenant was for that purpose - that God might dwell in the midst of his people. As the ark was carried through the gates, it was the very presence of God coming in and the gatekeepers would ask who was coming in: The King of glory! The Lord, strong and mighty. The Lord, mighty in battle. The Lord of hosts.

The ark of the covenant was only a shadow of what was to come. God clothed himself in the flesh and made his dwelling among us. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to save us and transform us into his people. At his death on the cross, the veil that kept the ark of the covenant separate from people was torn allowing God's presence to be available to all by his grace. And after his resurrection, he sent us his Holy Spirit to indwell us so that his presence might be with us until the end of time. Who is this King of glory? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, he is the King of Glory!

Father, may I never take for granted your presence in my life. You paid a high price to allow me to come near you. May I walk with you every day of my life. Amen.

Joshua 8:30-35 Joshua Renews the Covenant

Covenant renewal was a significant practice among the Israelites. Covenant renewal is a time to read, remember, and reflect upon God's Law. Renewal is required to extend the life of Israel's relationship with God. Renewal is necessary to avoid stagnation, lack of growth, and eventual death.

The place of the renewal on this occasion is significant. Picture the whole area. Shechem is a valley with Mount Ebal on the North and Mount Gerizim on the South. The ark of the covenant was to be held between representatives of the tribes of Israel on both its sides. Half of them facing Mount Ebal, and the other half facing Mount Gerizim. 

The reading of the Law was an essential element in the covenant renewal. In God's presence they read his Law. The Law is to rule faith and life altogether. The Scriptures are my rule for faith and life. I must be committed to read and study it all the days of my life. Covenant renewal requires a commitment to God's Word. 

As the Law is read, the people remember God's great deeds. How God called them out of Egypt and into the promised land. Moreover, the remembrance of the mighty acts of God on behalf his people to make it all possible must be recalled. The strength, smarts, and strategies of the people did not bring them into the land, but the mighty hand of God. I must commit to remember what God has done for me. How he rescued my life from utter darkness. How he has given me abundant life. True covenant renewal requires me to remember where I come from and how God brought me out of it.

Finally, covenant renewal requires reflection. The geography itself helped the Israelites on this. Mount Ebal was stony and barren, representative of the curses for violating the covenant. Mount Gerizim was covered with trees and fruitful, representative of the blessings for keeping the covenant. It is also significant that the valley between the two mountains is a Levitical city of refuge. The place to run when one is in trouble. 

Father, I desire to renew my covenant with you. May your word be a priority in my life. May I remember what you have done for me. May I reflect on the blessings for keeping the covenant and the curses for breaking it. Be my refuge in times of need.

Joshua 3:1-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

The promises of God are true. But they are not always unconditional. In order to enjoy the blessings of God it is necessary for us to listen to God and follow his guidance. The people were called to prepare in consecration and then follow the ark of the covenant as it was carried by the priests. They were not to make a move on their own without God and the appointed leadership.

Consecration is not a word you use every day. It means to dedicate to a purpose. The conquest of the promised land requires total dedication. It is not a mere hobby or a sideline job. It is a full-time commitment. It is a lifestyle. All of my life must be devoted to this one cause: the kingdom of God and its establishment upon the earth! I cannot serve two masters. I must consecrate myself to my God and his purposes for my life.

Total dedication to God's kingdom and its establishment upon the earth is demonstrated in obedience. The ark of the covenant is the place where the Israelites enjoyed the manifest presence of God. God led his people through the ark and the appointed leaders. They were called to follow his lead and obey his instructions. The establishment of God's kingdom requires me to unite with the brethren and follow in obedience God's commandments.

It is very obvious that the establishment of God's kingdom is not something I can pull off on my own. It is not a "lone ranger" type of rescue. It is the corporate consecration and obedience of God's people in the pursuit of his purposes. I must see myself as part of a whole: the body of Christ. My contribution is only a piece of the puzzle. The body becomes ineffective, even paralyzed, if I try to do my own thing. 

Lord, I consecrate my life to you and the establishment of your kingdom upon earth. Help me be faithful to your purposes and obedient to your commands. May I seek unity and teamwork within the body of Christ for your glory and honor forever. Amen