MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 24 (Sung in celebration of the return of the Ark to Jerusalem 2 Sam.6:11-19) The Song of Ascension
âNow when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, âMen of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.ââ (Acts 1:9-11) Psalm 24 is called The Song of Ascension. It is a prophecy of Messiahâs ascension (taking up). The Psalm consists of three stanzas, the first being in vs. 1-2, glorifying God by declaring His universal dominion: Messiah owns it in three ways, by creation (Job 1:1-3; Col 1:16-17); by inheritance (Ps.2; Matt.28:18; Phil.2:9-11); and by purchase (Eph.1:22). A blessed encouragement to redeemed sinners is Romans 8:14-17, âFor as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God: for you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of God by Whom we cry out, âAbba, Father.â The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs â heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.â Those who are heirs of His Kingdom neither have to beg, borrow, or steal. Vâs 3-6 distinguishes the subjects of Messiahâs Kingdom: they are those whose acts are righteous; V3 ask the question, âWho shall ascend?â; V4 answers, âHe that hath clean hands.â Whose heart is pure, whose affections are subdued, âWhose soul is not lifted up.â V5, these are the ones that shall enter into His glory, those that shall make up the great train; these are those who have washed their hands, yea their bodies and souls in the blood of the Lamb. Vâs 7-10, this final stanza speaks of the ascent of the Redeemer King who opened heavenâs gates and ushered in His glorious bride: âWhen He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to menâ (Eph.4:8). The Psalm poses the question âWho is this King of Glory?â reverting back through the psalm verse by verse it brings forth the answer; Vâs 9-10 proclaims His military status, âWho is this King of glory?â âHe is the Jehovah of armies,â He won the title by His victory on the cross. Ask the great monarchs of the past, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.4:34-35). He owns His throne rights by battles victorious, âWe know this might of Jesus by the battles which He has fought, the victories which He has won over sin, and death, and hell, and we clap our hands as we see Him leading captivity captive in the majesty of His strength. Oh for a heart to sing His praises! Mighty hero, be Thou crowned forever King of kings and Lord of lordsâ (CHS). ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022