Psalms: The King of Glory

Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!  Who is the King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

Psalm 24:7-8 [NASB]

Prince William of England is finally getting married!!  He is officially engaged to his long-time, off-and-on girlfriend Kate Middleton.  The media were whipped into a frenzy by the engagement announcement, and the sight of his mother Diana’s engagement ring on Kate’s finger.  Whole websites and endless gossip columns are dedicated to who’s planning the wedding, where will the ceremony take place (Westminster Abby), has the date been set (April 29, 2011), what will the bride wear, what did the Queen say, and on and on.  Paparazzi will be falling over each other endeavoring to take the most spectacular photo of the bride, the groom, or both.  No one is paying any attention to Prince Charles at all – the man who is actually in line to become the next sovereign of England.

We are entering the annual season when many of the peoples of earth briefly acknowledge the baby King born in Bethlehem.  For much of the world, however, if He is anything at all, it is no more than a symbolic baby, a tiny porcelain doll in the family creche.  There are no lines of shoppers queuing with their children to sit on the lap of the King of the Universe.  The must-have toy this year is not a likeness of a swaddled Christ child. 

In contrast, King David’s song in Psalm 24 sets the scene for the triumphant return of Christ to the Father after His short life and redeeming death on earth.  The angels line the corridors of heaven, calling to the gatekeepers, “The King of glory has come.  Let Him in!”  The gatekeepers answer back – “Who is the King of glory?”  The return answer declares: “The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”  The Creator of the universe, the anointed Messiah, the risen Lord, He is, indeed, the King of glory!  I pray that He is also the King of our hearts.  

In His glory, I shall see the King,

And forever endless praises sing.

`Twas on Calvary Jesus died for me.

I shall see the King someday.

David & Isaiah: Cornerstone

Therefore says the Lord, See – I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, a precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; he who puts his faith in it shall not be shaken.

Isaiah 28:16 [NAB]

The stone which the builders refused has become the head stone of the corner.

Psalm 118:22

I learned all about foundations when I was a small child, sitting in my little chair in Cradle Roll class at church.  Well, maybe not all about foundations, but I certainly was an expert comparing sand vs. rock.  The foolish man (who wanted to be that?) built his house on the sand, and when the rains came, his house went SPLAT!! What a great time we had yelling out that word with the biggest clap we could muster!   Ah, but the wise man built his house on the foundation of a rock.  When the rains came down and the winds blew, his house stood firm.  It was clear as a bell—even to a 4-yr-old.  Sand sinks.  Big rocks just sit there!

A cornerstone, often bearing an inscription, is placed at the corner of a building uniting two intersecting walls.  Symbolically, the building is “resting” on the strength of this corner.  David claims that the stone was rejected by one group of builders, only to become the “head” corner stone.  Isaiah indicates that the stone has been tested. The portion that draws me, however, is Isaiah’s promise that “he who puts his faith in it shall not be shaken.”

Building a life is a difficult task.  It doesn’t get appreciably easier as we continue to mature.  The winds of difficulty and the rain of unfulfilled expectations are always with us.  However, if our foundation rebar—the backbone rod of our lives, is deeply submerged in the Rock of Ages, the storms of life will buffet and blow, but we will stand firm. 

O build on the Rock forever sure, the firm and true foundation.

Its hope is the hope that shall endure, The hope of our salvation.

We’ll build on the Rock, we’ll build on the Rock.

We’ll build on the Rock, on the solid Rock,

On Christ, the mighty Rock

Isaiah: Prince of Peace

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 [KJV]

The fulfillment of this prophetic naming of the Christ Child began immediately after the moment of birth.  Brilliant angels appeared in the ebony night sky, bursting forth in a joyful proclamation:  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  Luke 2:14 [KJV]

What does peace mean to you?  For our country, peace would be freedom from war – to be at peace.  For your community, peace might be freedom from disturbance – law and order.  For you, peace might mean serenity, calm, quiet – the absence of mental conflict.  For Alan, Ben and Tom, peace might be placing their medical needs in the hands of the great Physician.  For me, peace is the absence of fear.  At one time in my life, I lived with  fear on a daily basis.  When my circumstances finally changed, I experienced peace for the first time in many years.

Jesus reiterated the angels’ message throughout His ministry on earth.  In the gospel of John, He says, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.  In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  [John 16:33 Message]   As Jesus’ work on earth began its unwavering path toward the cross, He promised, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you…Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” [John 14:27 NAS]

O come, Desire of nations, bind

all people in one heart and mind.

Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease,

Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.