5 Understandable Words for Today
/"Open wide, you ancient door..." Psalm 24:7b (paraphrased)
Last week, I introduced to you the idea of ancient paths leading to ancient doors - some leading to life... others leading to death. I shared five ancient doors upon which all societies are built: marriage, family, education, business, and government. Today, I want to introduce you to God's desire for all nations.
Psalm 24 begins with the declaration that the earth is the Lords... and everything in it, including all who live in it. (v,1) David asserts under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the seas were a primary factor in how the earth was created. (v.2) The oceans, indeed, are critical to the continued balance of life support on earth, and are the primary source of the water cycle.
David poses a question to the reader: "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?" (v.3) It is not a question of ones skill or ability at mountain climbing. It is a question of worthiness. Who is worthy to approach God? In his diatribe, David answers the query with the traits which appeal to God's heart in providing unhindered access to His throne:
- clean hands (not involved in bad things);
- a pure heart (a mind that is disciplined to think on good things);
- a mind not deceived into idolatry; and
- one who does not swear by any other false god. (v.4)
Followers of Christ, follow His example in approaching God as Father - just as a child knows he/she is always welcomed by a loving father. Those who approach God as Father, are not approaching for handouts... but simply desire to see and touch His face. (v.6) I remember my children coming to sit in my lap and taking their little hands to turn my head to them for a face to face conversation, or simply for a sweet kiss... a child wants to look her father in the eyes... with it comes the blessing of intimacy and approval with the father. (v.5)
At this point in his journal, David is inspired to issue a decree... not from his own royal throne, but from God on high. It is a decree made in a plea to let the King of Glory in... into our marriages, our families, our schools, our businesses, and our government. His precepts are always good for guidance, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness - the good way to live. (2 Timothy 3:16)
The closest imagery I can provide for this passage to translate to today is from a memory of a family reunion I attended as a boy. The property had a large barn on it. The barn had two large doors that could be flung open from the inside, creating a wide opening for the tractor, the trailer, etc., to be stored - and to receive guests for functions which could be held inside. The doors were pushed open in an instant, allowing the reunion guests to be quickly welcomed and accommodated. God desires that we welcome Him in a similar way... that we welcome Him with wide arms and open doors... from within. He does not force His way in... but desires fellowship with us as we open our lives - in every way - to Him.
There is a blessings when the King of Glory enters a marriage, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). A family that welcomes the King of Glory will experience the blessing of His provision through the years. (Read up on Joseph's life and how his father and family were blessed (Genesis 37-50). Education began in the home, and schools were a direct result of communities realizing the efficiency of educating children in groups - much like schools of today. Solomon collected and wrote wisdom literature for this very purpose (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes). Business also originated through the home, and Moses recorded God's parameters for proper business ethics on Mount Sinai (see Leviticus 19-25). Governments arose through the collective insights of communities networked for a common cause - primarily defense and trade. How blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12-22).
When we let the King of Glory in, we are privileged with His presence, and in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Open wide you ancient doors!
steve