for the week of Oct. 11, 2026

“They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.” -Psalm 24:5, NIV

I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that in our current cultural moment, we find it difficult to anticipate. Anticipation requires waiting, and we’re not good at waiting. I am often tempted to learn more about a program or movie I’ll be watching with Becca by Googling it - thereby spoiling the ending. I’ve been lovingly encouraged to put my phone away lately. Yet our faith rests in anticipation, after all hope is an anticipatory act. 

Psalm 24 is notable for hailing the arrival of the King of Glory (vv. 7-10); and for authoritative statement in verse 1: “the earth is the Lord’s and all therein.” Yet in the middle of the psalm the focus goes from the Creator to creation before going bringing Creator to creation in the form of the King of Glory.  There is a question posed that says “who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” (verse 3). The answer to that question is someone who has clean hands, a pure heart, and who does not worship a false god. This is not merely a task-driven faith, but a faith that the LORD is the only god, and He is worthy of our full body, mind, and soul allegiance. 

The reward for the faithful person is laid out in verse 5: blessing from the Lord and vindication from God. The faithful of God are given here another example of “already-not yet.” In his work on the Psalm, Derek Kidner writes that the term vindication is similar to someone receiving a legal ruling in their favor. “Vindication is literally ‘righteousness,’ and is akin here to justification[…]” 

Justification is an immediate gift that God gives when a person submits to Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:1-2). It means the believer is made in a right position before God. Yet the full ramifications of that justification are found in eternity. Already-not yet. 

Some interpretations of Hebrew tradition tell us that the conclusion of the song “who is this king of Glory, the LORD strong and mighty” - (paraphrase of the refrain in vv. 7-10) - was used as a processional anthem when King David entered into the city gates. But the King of Glory is not David, the Psalm even answers this as the question is answered: “The LORD, He is the King of Glory!” 

The psalmist invites us to anticipate a present blessing as we remain faithful to God. Yet the psalm also anticipates when vindication will come as the King of Glory makes the fullness of His kingdom known. This kingdom will be where God reigns with His people. Through King Jesus, our faith is given a resting place -even as we anticipate His reign in its entirety. 

As we anticipate this future, may we keep our hearts pure by worship focused on the King of Glory.

Matt

Announcements and Other Thoughts:

Church wide Work Day this Saturday from 9-Noon: Join us for breakfast at 9 - then help us beautify our campus. Most of our work will be focused on the exterior landscaping, but there are a few indoor tasks that need to be done as well. 

Now accepting candy donations: be sure to help support our trunk or treat outreach on Oct. 31. If you’re interested in volunteering, sign ups are in the lobby.