May 22

The Psalm Of Ascension

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, — Eph 2:4-6 BSB

This 24th Psalm seems to have two parts, but there is one central theme—the ascent of the holy soul and the triumphant Savior into the presence of God. For us, Christ’s ascension precedes our own, but in the psalmist’s time, that order was reversed.

Our Lord’s Ascension: In a burst of poetic inspiration, ignited by the Holy Spirit, the psalmist foresees the King of Glory approaching the gates of the Eternal City—the ideal city that has drawn the hearts of saints and patriots throughout the ages. This city is also described in Revelation 21, descending to earth. It is as though the gates of the Unseen are closed to Him. They had opened to God, but never before to “God manifest in the flesh.” It was something entirely new for our human nature to be taken into the eternal, unseen world.

The Soul’s Ascension (Psalm 24:3-6): In Christ, we have already ascended and are seated at the right hand of God. Our emotions and even our faults cannot change that truth. But we must make our calling sure. What is ours in God’s divine purpose must be claimed and lived out as a daily experience. Certain qualities of character are required for those who would be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man—not just in the hereafter, but now and always (Luke 21:36).

We must have clean hands—the money we earn must be earned honestly. Whether we are writers, artists, mechanics, professionals, or businesspeople, we must never produce anything that would corrupt others' imaginations or hearts. We must also have a pure heart. Isaiah 33:14-17, a parallel passage, compares the Holy Spirit to a consuming fire, where no evil thing can survive. Let us ask Him to possess us and cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by His power. We must not lift our souls to vanity—we must not be seduced by worldly applause or rewards, which are fleeting and often corrupt. Many sell their souls for these things, only to realize their worthlessness at the end of life. We must also be truthful and sincere, for only those who are true can stand in the presence of the King of Truth.

Prayer

May we live as those who have been raised with Christ and are seated with Him. Amen.