Psalm Meditation 898
Proper 17
September 3, 2017

Psalm 24
1 The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company 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 the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted 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
(NRSV)

When we bought a new car several years ago we were told that we were the third family in the county to purchase one of this new model vehicle. On our way home from the dealer we saw six of these cars. It is certainly possible that these other cars were from surrounding counties. However it happened our eyes were able to see something we would have missed if we had not bought that particular make and model of car.

I believe it is the same with those who are able to, “ascend the hill of the LORD” Those who are able/allowed to ascend the heights are those who are particularly tuned to the ways of God. Since we exercise no control over the giving of God’s blessings, we don’t get to decide who gets them and who does not. We can only do what we understand God wants us to do and be open to the gifts and benefits of our actions.

Those six cars of the same model we saw as we drove our home were there for all to see. Most people who drove near those other cars saw them but did not notice them as a new model. They were probably nothing more than one more car in the way of them getting to their destination. God is always there for all to see, for all to receive the gifts that God gives so freely. “Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully” are the ones who will notice the gifts being bestowed upon them.

August 28, 2017
LCM