Megiddo - Open the Gates

Archaeologists don’t attempt a complete "dig" any more. This would destroy each level and make it impossible for other scholars to come later to check and confirm their work. This site has unearthed remains of a temple from the Chalcolithic period (around the beginning of the third millennium BC).

More significant are the ruins of the fortified "chariot city" built by Solomon in the tenth century BC, the tunnel to the city's secure water supply dating from the ninth century BC and the public grain silo from the period of Jeroboam (792-752BC).

But the entry to Megiddo is through the gateway. For us this was first through a gateway dating back to Canaanite times before we came to the gateway from the time of Solomon.

The gates themselves, of course, have long since gone. They would be needed at a time of attack or siege. Inside the gateways were spacious rooms. In time of war these would be full of soldiers ready to defend the city if anyone could break down the door. In peace time they were the place where commerce and law were transacted. We notice, for instance, that the husband of the woman of noble character "is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land" (Proverbs 31.23).

Walls and gates can serve a variety of purposes. When East Germany built the Berlin Wall, it was suspected that its purpose was to keep East Germans inside, rather than to keep West Germans and other foreigners out.

The heading of Psalm 24 simply describes it as "Of David. A psalm." We know nothing of the circumstances in which it was written. Certainly it was a clear acknowledgment that only the Lord can rightfully be called "the King of glory." David's true greatness is seen in his willing openness to humble himself before the Lord.

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (v. 1). Not only is the Lord the Creator - he continues to be its rightful owner and all people are finally responsible to him.

Reflect on that personally for a moment. Is that the way I look at myself and my possessions - my bit of "the world"? Now think about Australia and Aussies - including questions of land rights and refugees. I don't want to prejudge any of those major contentious issues, but - what happens to our debates and discussions if we begin with Psalm 24.1? And globally - no, I don't plan to launch into the issue of "globalisation" either - but globally, what would happen if we could all begin to think of the earth and everything in it belonging to the Lord and that all of us are responsible to him?

The middle section of the Psalm (vv. 3-6) presents criteria of worthiness to be in God’s presence - rightness in motive and action, freedom from idolatry and dishonesty. The words are very probing - they can't be taken lightly! We think deeply about them and wonder - then who, indeed, may ascend the hill of the Lord? The answer seems to be - those who seek him, who sincerely desire personal contact with him. That's our hope! God looks at the heart - our intentions, not just our achievements!

But then the grand conclusion (vv. 7-10). It's not an enemy outside - the King himself is knocking at the gate, seeking admittance.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle... The Lord Almighty - he is the King of glory."

What do you do when the King comes to the city? You open the gates - you lower your defences, expose all your commercial and legal transactions to him, let him into all the life of the city...

And how do we respond when the King of glory comes to us? Listen to him, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3.20).

It is his world. He has every right to come. He has the right to every part of our life. Yet it is our door. He awaits our invitation. Our part is to open the door to him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, the world is yours. Our life is yours. Yet we live as if we can simply please ourselves what we do with it - and then blame you when things go wrong! Lord, we aren't worthy to stand in your presence. But you come knocking, wanting to share our life, to forgive our wrongs, to lead us and enable us to be your people. Come in, Lord Jesus! Come in today! Come in forever! Help me to live out your presence and your grace for others. Amen.

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