Who is this King of glory?

I was asked to lead a prayer time for the Summer Leadership Team at Epworth (my old job) on the first day of camp. Traditionally on this day, the whole team is nervous, anxious, excited, tired and a bit overwhelmed. As I thought about what to share with them, I came across Psalm 24. After reading and researching it, I got so excited I almost couldn't contain myself.

Here's a little background: This Psalm was sung on the first day of the week, every week, at the Temple. It was written by King David and referenced the time when the ark of the covenant was taken up to Mount Zion to be placed in a tent (later, Solomon would build THE temple up there). The ark, representing God's presence, was HIGHLY revered and taking it up the mountain was no small feat. It called for a huge gathering of people with a highly worshipful atmosphere. In beautiful togetherness, they shouted "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Then the priest, who was inside the tent, would shout "Who is this King of glory?" and they would respond in unison, "The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Imagining a multitude of people shouting this together just flat out gives me the goosies. But there's more...again, the crowd shouts "Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in." Just wait...here comes the priest with the question of the day, "Who is he, this King of glory?" In unison, loud as all get out, and full of emotion the crowd roars "LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory!" Dang.

What a way to start off the week. Calling down God's presence to break through the gates, the doors, our hearts, and dwell with His people. Working in us, through us, in spite of us. This King of Glory who comes strong and mighty, who is THE almighty. Dang.