April 13 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

In the first part of this psalm, the earth and its fullness lie still, as if waiting for the master. Then comes the question: Who may ascend the mountain of the lord? Where is the pure one who may enter the palace of holiness, the city of the sovereign God? And in the third part we hear people singing enthusiastically because the "King of glory" enters his dwelling.

We cannot be sure at what occasion this song was composed (or even at what feast it was sung), and we can only guess what people were thinking when they used all these different images. But a Christian who reads this psalm is inclined to think that it was composed to celebrate the ascension of the Lord Jesus.

He ascended into heaven. The first phase of his work was accomplished. With "clean hands and a pure heart" he ascended to the dwelling of his Father. He did so for our benefit. We remember and believe that he has triumphed. Sin cannot enslave us anymore. Death cannot harm us any longer. Our Jesus is Lord. He is exalted on the throne, received by the Father, hailed by angels, adored by his people. "Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."

Psalm 24 is a celebration of the ascension. He who loves us also rules us. Jesus is on the throne. Mercy and might are now in one hand. Now he is able to do what his loving heart desires. It's like having your father as the ruler of the country, or your brother as a millionaire. But the truth is bigger and better.

Now the second phase of Jesus' work, his heavenly ministry, is underway. Heaven and earth are being reunited. As a matter of fact, they are one already in Jesus Christ. Our body is in heaven; his Spirit is on earth.

Open the gates! Open your hearts! The earth and its fullness will see the glory of the Lord.

REFLECTIONS

What does it mean to your life today that Jesus is now on his throne in heaven?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.