Psalm 24 — Derek: Meditating on the Way
Psalm 24 was used in Second Temple Judaism every first day of the week. It began the week in temple assembly, and it recalls the first day of creation as well as the day of resurrection in the life of Jesus. It welcomes those who seek the face of God and who come with clean hands (loving neighbor) and pure heart (loving God). It is a Psalm used on Ascension Sunday in many liturgies as the King of Glory comes to Mt. Zion, God’s holy mountain. Whether it is Yahweh who comes to temple (see also Psalm 68) or Jesus the Messiah (King) who enters glory, worshippers announce the coming and presence of the King! We gather to confess, welcome, and encounter the King of Glory who is the Lord of hosts that has created us, redeemed us, and conquered death for us.