Irvin Wasswa, Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Psalms 24:1-2; 7-10
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may 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 gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory!
A few weeks ago I had the chance to play some basketball at a local gym here in town with perhaps some of the best talent I have played with since I moved to Clarksville. I was blessed to gladly bring the guys water out there, better yet get picked up to play on their team. There was a good bit of talent but one guy stood out. There were a few moments and plays he made that left me in awe. Whenever we needed a score to win the game, I just gave him the ball, got out of the way, and he usually delivered. That night I remember thinking “Man, I’m glad I’m on his team,” as I enjoyed riding on his coattails to several victories that night.
I tell you what friend, there is One person’s team I am even more excited to be on: God’s team. I am glad that I am on His team. I am glad I am on His side and as a child of God, you ought to be as well. As you know, we did not end up on God’s team because of our own gifting, ability, or merit, but because of the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ. It was by our receiving the gift of salvation through repenting of our sins that we get to be on God’s team! David explains the value of being on God’s team at the end of Psalm 24. He highlights the reality of our Lord God being two things: Creator and conquering King.
In verses 1-2 the Lord God is described as the owner of the universe because He created it all. Some may say that it was by accident that creation came to being, but the truth is that there was an Author who is known as the Alpha and the Omega. He was before the beginning and has no end. He spoke the Earth into formation and formed every being, including you and I. The Bible says God knitted us in the womb of our mothers, intricately and precisely. We get to be on His team! Wow!
In verses 7-10 we see that this God is the conquering King over all the earth. He is known as the King of Glory, which one translation states to mean: “majestic, mighty, and victorious warrior.” The Lord God is the mightiest king and warrior. He is the champion of champions! You remember the splitting of the Red Sea in Exodus don’t you? The Egyptians were bearing down the neck of the people of Israel looking to kill them and God opened up the sea and closed it again. You remember Elisha the prophet and the armies of Israel being surrounded by their enemies don’t you? It seemed as though they had no hope, and then God used Elisha to remind the people that He had it all taken care of. You remember Jericho don’t you? God told the people of Israel that they had the victory over Jericho and that they were going to win without even drawing a weapon! Almighty God is the conquering King. No one is more powerful. No one is more able. No one is more dependable than the Lord! Wow!
Now what does this mean for us? If you are not careful you can easily become numb to the reality of who the Lord God truly is to us. As the old cliche goes, Familiarity can easily breed contempt. God isn’t just another one of the boys…He isn’t just a role player on the team…He is the Leader, Coach, Manager, and President. He is worthy of our worship, and our praise. He is the superstar in whom we look to brag about and proclaim because of His greatness. So this morning, if you are in contempt in regards to the Lord; repent and turn back to Him. Listen, He still fights our battles. He created the magnificent mountains and the flowing rivers that we have the privilege of getting to enjoy. We get to be on His team because of His love and care for us. As a matter of fact, as part of His team, we all get to play a vital part of building His kingdom as well. So let’s be about the work, praising the Lord for who He is and for making a way for us to be on His team. He indeed has been so good to us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for me to be on Your team. Remind me of Your greatness today and stir my affection for You. May I never get too familiar with my relationship with you that I forget who you are. Instead let my relationship with you lead to worship and serving you. In Jesus’ name, Amen
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 135:13 (NLT)
Your name, O Lord, endures forever;
your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation.