Make Way For The King

Title: Make Way for the King

Text: Psalm 24

Topic: God’s glory; righteousness imputed; proper worship; kingdom reality.

Sermon Purposes:

1. That the listener will understand and acknowledge the sovereign right and rule of God.

2. That the listener will trust in Christ’s righteousness for salvation and work to become more righteous in his heart and actions.

3. That the listener will proclaim the coming of Christ.

4. That the listener will be encouraged knowing he will join in Christ’s victory and coronation.

Introduction

Illustration: When I attended the University of Kentucky I got a phone call from the Dean’s office asking me to put on my band uniform and to bring my trumpet to campus. A photographer with Sports Illustrated wanted me to pose for the cover of the magazine. Now, you can imagine what a flood of thoughts came to my head. “It’s about time trumpet players got some attention around here.” “They’ve finally recognized true greatness!” Of course, none of these were true an in my heart I knew that. I asked the Dean’s secretary why I was being photographed for Sports Illustrated. I was no world class athalete. My answer was both telling and humbling. I was getting photographed with Rex Chapman, an incoming freshman basketball legend to the university. I was to pose, heralding his entrance to the school. Frinds,I was never going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated by myself, but perhaps I could if I appeared with Rex, whose name curiously enough means "the King!"

1. In basketball, there is a progressing of sacred territory. The U.S.A. is the nation of basketball. In that nation, Kentucky is the sacred state of basketball. In Ky., Lexington is the holy city of basketball, and in Lexington, the Wildcat Lodge is the dwelling place of the kings of basketball. Only the players and those they invite to join them may appear there.

• Likewise, there is a progression of holy territory in the eyes of God as well. The Earth, Judea, Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the Temple and the Holy of Holies.

Transition: Just like I had to appear with the king of basketball in order to be photographed for Sports Illustrated, we must know the King of Glory in order to appear before His holy dwelling. Psalm 24 has some good news for us today:

Background: Let’s begin with this magnificent ceremonial hymn written by King David for the entrance of the Ark into Jerusalem. David had established the governing city for Israel, the city of Jerusalem. The Ark of the Covenant had yet to be brought into the city and David looked forward to its delivery from Shiloh. Remember now, the Ark represented the presence of God. Psalms 24

The King of Glory and His Kingdom

Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

2 For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall 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 you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah

Body

I. Yahweh May Approach the Seat of Authority? 7-10

As the parade approaches the gates of the city, twice the question is posed: “Who is this King of glory?” Who is worthy to have the gates opened for them?

A. Yahweh may approach because He is the King of glory. 1-2

1. The Earth Is Yahweh’s: 1-2

- Also, everything in the earth is His.

2. By virtue of His creation

- Parallel restatement in verse 2

Point of contact:

a. Any idea that God is not directly responsible for creation destroys any claims He has to rule over it.

b. Not until the last 100 years has this even been considered by society.

c. People reject God’s claim over creation because they want to reject God.

Illustration: Watch on a beach. Complexity of the human eye. The miracle of the Monarch Butterfly.

B. Yahweh may approach the throne because He is still mighty: 8,10