The God who comes

As we turn our attention to Christmas and enter into Advent, for this service and sermon we consider ‘The God who comes ‘, with preaching comes from Nathan Gordon.

Today marks the beginning of the Advent season, an important time of year in the Christian calendar as we remember and reflect on the divine arrival and entrance of Jesus Christ into the world. The King of Glory came into this world, our light, our hope and our salvation.

Background to David’s Royal Psalm

David’s poetic lyrics to the song was potentially used as part of corporate worship at the Temple. Scholars suggest Psalm 24 may have been used as a call and answer song with the priests and congregation waiting at the temple gates on the first day of the week. “Who is this King of Glory” was the question asked by the priests, with the resounding response from the congregation “The Lord of hosts, He is the king of Glory” followed by shouts to open the gates of the temple and let the King of glory in.

Other interpretations suggest Psalm 24 may have been written to celebrate moving the Ark of the covenant from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem in (2 Samuel 6:10-12)

Messianic link

Psalm 24 like some of the other psalms of David has a messianic prophecy and pointer towards the entrance and arrival of Jesus Christ into the world. Jesus would ultimately make it possible for us all to stand before the presence of almighty God allowing for a vibrant relationship between God and humanity.

Application

We live in a world today where there is so much competition vying for our attention, and if we are not careful, we can open our hearts and minds to things that are contrary to Gods will and suffocate spiritual growth in our lives.

For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world. (1 John 2:16)

Why is it important to allow the king of glory into our lives to be the centre of attraction and priority over all things?

1) God owns everything – v1-2

- The earth and all its fulness belong to God

2) Who can approach God? -v3-6

- If God is sovereign over-all then who may approach Him?
- Moses’ request to see Gods glory (Exodus 33:12-23)
- Without Jesus, no one can approach God (John 14:6)

3) Incarnation anticipated – v7-10

- An old testament prophecy of the King of Glory to come into the world
- The One coming is worthy to stand in the Holy place
- Only with the coming of Jesus did the meaning of this ancient psalm become clear

Challenge

Take some time to think about the doors you currently have open to your hearts and minds that may be taking too much precedent over your life potentially causing the King of glory left outside the gates desiring to come in. Are you willing to realign your priorities and make adequate preparations to receive the King of Glory as first of all things in your life?

When Jesus becomes your Lord, He should have complete control over your, Relationships, Money, Possessions, Career, Kids, Time, Mouth, Mind, Body, Everything.

May the words of an old hymn inspire and encourage you this week

I’d rather have Jesus

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold

I’d rather be His than have riches untold

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land

I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin’s dread sway

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today

I’d rather have Jesus than worldly applause

I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame

Yes, I’d rather be true to His holy name

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin’s dread sway

I’d rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today

Questions

1) How challenging is it to live a life completely devoted to Jesus in our modern society with all of the many vices in our world competing for our attention and allegiances? (Think about the work of the Holy Spirit in this)

2) In verse 3-4 David highlights that necessity of righteousness to approach a Holy God. This verse demonstrates the inability of any person except the king of Glory to stand before God. Although Christ has become our righteousness why is it important for us to live our lives as best as we can to avoid yielding to sin and fulfilling the lusts of the flesh?

3) In this season what practical steps will you be taking to draw closer to Gods presence in anticipation and expectation of what Christmas continues to mean to this world?