The King Of Glory

Glory.

​The word glory, according to Webster, means “renown, praise, honor or distinction extended by common consent.”
The world you and I live is intoxicated with extending glory to men and women we highly admire.  
Academy award winning actors/actresses, brilliant business leaders, charismatic politicians in power positions, outstanding athletes and even popular pastors and ministers have glory attributed to them through awards, trophies, plaques, monuments, statues and many other forms of recognition.
Admittedly, in many quarters of America, celebrities are worshipped.  Adoring, awestruck (may I add fickled!) fans pour glorious accolades upon them…. and the recipients soak it up. Who doesn’t desire to be recognized for their achievements? Who hasn’t dreamed of being recognized as Most Valuable Player, Olympic champion, world’s best, business person of the year, salesperson of the month, and on and on.
Glory is something that appeals to our flesh.
Appropriate recognition and rewards are honorable and important. All of us need love, acceptance and approval strokes that contribute to positive, healthy self-esteem and self-confidence 
But I wonder if sometimes we give glory to men above glory to God?
We praise and honor talent, gifting and human performances. But where did the abilities to stand out above others come from? Who is the real one behind man’s glory, the One who deserves all the glory?  
Most of the psalms (scripture songs) are attributed to David. In addition to his musical and lyrical gifts inspired by the Holy Spirit, his resume’ includes serving God as a shepherd boy, a giant slayer, warrior and king of Israel. As king, he received adoration, admiration, accolades and glory for his many victories over God’s enemies.
But David knew who the real King of glory was. 
 “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:7-10
David is saying two things.
1. The Lord of hosts, the Lord mighty in battle, the Lord strong and mighty, He is the King of glory. The God of the Bible is holy and full of glory. No one is renowned like Him.
2. King David declares that Almighty God, the sovereign Creator of the universe and redeemer of creation, that He alone should be revered and worshipped as the King of glory. He talks about gates and doors being opened. For what purpose? To welcome the King of glory in. Lift up your heads refers to looking up to the Lord. You and I are to focus our faith on the King of glory by opening the door of our heart to Him.  
In Philippians 2:9-11 Paul writes “Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Chris is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus’ name is above all names. Every tongue will confess and knees will bow, acknowledging His lordship. Sounds like Jesus Christ is the King of glory, doesn’t it? At least He shares the glory of the Father.
 If you want to have a good day…..

• Give God the glory He deserves. Thank the Holy One for the life you get to live.
• Glorify God through worship and praise. Shout His praises with a joyful heart.
• Honor and glory Him by taking good care of yourself because, through faith in Jesus Christ, your body is His temple.
• Bring glory to God by serving and caring for others in His holy name. In word and deed, may people see that you recognize, follow and serve the King of glory in your life.
• Glorify God’s name by sharing His plan of salvation for mankind. People need the Lord, the Lord of glory who sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross to save us from sin.
• Give God glory by worshipping regularly with fellow believers at your home church. There is tremendous unity, fellowship, power, peace and joy when God’s people glorify His name together.
• Remember the King of glory is for you, with you and working on your behalf. Lift your eyes above earthly men to the Holy One who sits in unrivaled splendor, majesty and glory on heaven’s throne.

GLORIFY GOD BECAUSE HE IS THE KING OF GLORY!
Sad fact: People who glory in people will always be disappointed and let down. 
Maybe, just maybe, our sad, sin-sick world would be a much better place if we glorified people a little less and glorified God a whole lot more. Just a thought.
 A historic hymn of the church says it just right.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
 “Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength; ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name, worship the Lord in holy array.” Psalm 29:1-2
“And in His temple everything says, “Glory!” Psalm 29:9a
How about you? Do you say “Glory?” to God.
 A Word For Your Week: Daily open wide the gate of your heart to the King of glory.