A Palm Sunday Devotion on Psalm 24

Christians all over the world are praising their Lord on this Palm Sunday with words from Psalm 24:

“Lift up your heads, O you gates;
Be lifted up, you ancient doors,
That the King of Glory may come in” (Psalm 24:7).

The picture is of believers assembled at the ancient gates of the city of Jerusalem, calling on them to allow Jesus to enter as he rides on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Why should the city of Jerusalem let Jesus in?

“Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
The Lord, mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8).

Jesus is the mighty King, the one who rules the universe. He looks humble as he rides on a donkey, but he is actually the King of kings and Lord of lords, able to defeat anyone in battle.

In just a few days he will look defeated, hanging on a cross, but by his resurrection, death will be swallowed up in victory. The humble King will rule for all eternity, and we will rule with him.

On this Palm Sunday, Jesus comes to us through the gospel, and we welcome him with joy when we believe that word of truth. Our sins are forgiven, and we look forward to Jesus’ second coming, when we welcome him again as the eternal King of glory.

“Lift up your heads, O you gates;
Lift them up, you ancient doors,
That the King of Glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
He is the King of Glory” (Psalm 24:8,9).