Arise, O eternal portals – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Psalms 24:07-09 – “Lift up your heads, O you gates; stand up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in”.
Introduction
It’s interesting to note that ancient cities had gates all around them. These were giant portals that were placed at strategic points in the walls surrounding the city. These doors were always open in times of peace and were used in cases of war, so that when they were closed they would protect the city and its inhabitants. In order to close these doors quickly, they were not opened sideways, as we do today in our homes; these doors were suspended, attached by ropes and chains. They were very heavy!
When the enemy approached, the rope was cut, the chain released and the weight of the door itself caused it to collapse and close quickly. It really was very effective and therefore widely used. Sometimes, for various reasons, a kingdom would decide to take over a city and rule it.
In this way, a herald was sent to announce the arrival of the victorious king. This herald would approach the portals and say in a loud voice: MARANATA! An Aramaic expression meaning OUR KING IS COMING! And he ordered the gates to be opened. On hearing these words, the city had two options:
1. To close its gates and wage war against the King who arrived there; or
2. Lift up the gates, open them to the King and submit to his rule.
Well, in Psalm 24, David mentions two gates (one in verse 7 and the other in verse 9). Both were closed. Then the psalmist announced in a loud voice: “Rise up, you gates! Arise, you everlasting doors!”.
The first door that was closed was the Ades door
This, in turn, was divided into two parts: on one side were those who had been unfaithful to the Lord; on the other, also called Abraham’s Bosom, were those who had died faithful to the Lord (Luke 16.23).
Both were locked, with their keys guarded. Jesus, on the day he was crucified, descended into Ades, and the doors that were there were not enough to stop him!
The King took the keys, opened the door that had previously been locked and emerged victorious! (Revelation 1.18) And all those waiting in Abraham’s bosom beheld his victory!
The second door that was also closed was the door to Eden
It had been closed since man sinned and was expelled from there (Genesis 3.24). No one else had access to it. Jesus, however, after leaving Ades with victory in his hands, opened the eternal portals leading to Eden once again!
The Lord Jesus, being our mediator, has once again opened the way that will lead us to Eternal Paradise!
He himself promised the thief on the cross, who was faithful, saying: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23.43). That man achieved salvation there, and would no longer remain in Ades, but would be taken with the King to Paradise, just like all the saved who were waiting there!
There is also a third door, which was not mentioned by David
This door is in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” This is the door to his heart. Notice the difference: in the first two, a command was given. The answer didn’t matter.
The King has simply established dominion. In the third, he says that he will only enter if the door is opened, here we have an option, which is Free Will. Note also the moment that is dealt with in the text: “I will sup with him”. The supper tells us about the banquet, enjoying a moment of joy.
It was the last banquet before the people left Egypt; it was time to leave, to go to the Promised Land. This is the Church’s last moment on earth. It is already night. The world is in darkness, heading towards death. There is only one King who can deliver us and lead us to Paradise: this is the King of glory, the Lord of hosts.
Conclusion of Psalms 24:07-09
Today is a time of peace, the Holy Spirit has been sent into your life to announce : “Lift up the everlasting gates, that the King of glory may come in”. Jesus wants to come into your heart.
Preaching Outline on Psalms 24:07-09 – “Lift up your heads, O you gates; stand up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in”.
More Preaching Outlines
Valley of Baca – Psalms 84:5-7
The Lord is our Fortress – Psalm 46:1
