May 16 King of Glory

Ephesians 4:8-10 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
 
DO you live an “ascend life”? In verse 8 Paul moves from his teaching on Ephesians 4:7 regarding Jesus’ distribution of gifts. Paul emphasizes our gifts from Jesus are the result of Jesus’ victory over evil. To help the Jews understand this, he quotes from the triumphal language of Psalms 68:18 You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.
     This psalm celebrated the conquering King David distributing the gifts of his conquests to his soldiers. In a like manner, following our conquering King Jesus, we receive his gifts that enrich our lives as the living church. Paul points to Jesus descending from Heaven to earth and then descending into the grave. From there, Jesus ascended out of the grave, from the earth and into Heaven’s greatest heights.
     Paul’s heart has ascended to the King with worship, obedience, love and joy. He calls the church to receive and enjoy the King’s power. In his triumph, our Lord reigns over the grave and Satan’s temptations. This Scripture is a beautiful, compelling fulfillment of Psalm24, which the ESV labels “The King of Glory”
 
Psalms 24
1 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. 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!
 
Oh, yes. Are you saved in Jesus’ blood? Do you worship the ascended King? Then let the King of glory come into your heart, mind and soul. You are no ordinary person. Lift up your life into the majesty of King Jesus.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the King of glory. Rule my life. Amen.