Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 24 – Victorious Shepherd

Psalm 24 – Victorious Shepherd

(Written by Robert Quay)

Psalms 22, 23, and 24 were written by King David. These three Messianic Psalms form a trilogy on Christ as the Good Shepherd, Great Shepherd, and Chief Shepherd. 

As we look at Psalm 24 for our meditation, it describes the ministry of the Chief Shepherd who will reward His under-shepherds with the unfading crown of glory. The apostle Peter writes “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Pet.5:4).  

This Psalm speaks of the God of the great Patriarchs establishing His ownership of the earth and will return as the promised Messiah in Jerusalem.  No doubt He is the LORD of hosts who will establish His kingdom on earth. The call of lifting up our heads is an encouragement to expect the soon return of Christ. Though the focus is on the nation of Israel, it is a victory call to look up “lifting your heads, and be lifted up for the King of glory may come in” (v.7, 9). 

The three Psalms form a unique portrait of the Messiah’s mission where David prophesied over 1,000 years before the first Christmas of the things to come. He was the suffering, saving, and sovereign King of glory who will come to reclaim His chosen ones. He is described as the creator who owns the earth and those who dwell in it.

Are we ready to welcome Him into our hearts? Can we say with complete confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus, even come!”  

Let’s read Psalm 24

Of David. A psalm.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?

4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you 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, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, as we conclude the trilogy of the Psalms we thank you for the victory accomplished for us on the cross by our suffering, saving, and sovereign Saviour Jesus Christ. You are the King of glory. You are the LORD strong and mighty, and you are the LORD mighty in battle. We therefore as your children lift up our heads to offer you our praise and worship. In Jesus Name. Amen!