The earth is the Lord‘s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O 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, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah
Psalm 24
This time next week I’ll be with our youth in Greenville, SC for our annual trip to Passport Mission Camp. I’ve been going to youth summer camps since I was in the 6th grade, and I know very well how crazy, fun, and memorable they can be. Many of the closest friendships I still have today were cemented at youth camp, and my friends and I often recall all the good times we shared at camp to this day. More than the fun memories though, youth camp was the place that my faith grew to new heights each year. I can honestly say I would not be the man I am today without the intense time of spiritual growth I experienced at youth camp.
As I prepare to lead our Bayshore youth campers again this year, it’s my prayer that each of them will experience what the psalmist proclaims in our reading for today. I pray that they acknowledge the Lord reigns over all the earth and that we are called to do God’s holy work in it. I pray that they seek purity in their minds and hearts that they might receive God’s blessing and salvation in their lives. Finally, I pray that they might “lift up the gates” and open the doors of their lives that the “King of glory” might come in and change everything! As the psalmist knew, when God’s Kingdom finds a home in the hearts of His people, it can grow into a movement of the Spirit that changes the world!