I cannot read this Psalm without thinking of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem on what would eventually become known as Palm Sunday. It was the beginning of the final week of his life before being crucified for us. As he made his way towards Jerusalem it seemed as if the entire city came out to meet him and escort him into the city as a triumphant hero. People worshipped him. They cried out for salvation, rescue, from Jesus whom they would make king. That is all but the religious leaders. They wanted people to be quiet and implored Jesus to rebuke the crowd. But Jesus made it clear that if the crowd did not shout praise, then the very rocks and trees would do so. In this Psalm the King of Glory is entering the gates of Jerusalem and sure enough the very rocks and trees are crying out. The gates of Jerusalem are praising the king. They open wide to welcome him.
The earth is the Lord‘s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah
If inanimate objects like city gates, rocks, and trees are somehow crying out in praise to the King fo Glory, how can I keep silent? How can I not shape my whole life towards the worship of the King? Jesus did not lay down His life because the rocks and trees had sinned and needed forgiveness. No! He laid down His life because I have sinned and I need forgiveness and salvation. The King of Glory has conquered sin and death for me and I must praise Him. I must greet Him outside the city gate and escort Him in as a conquering hero, worthy of all my praise and all my devotion and all my life.
Dan Lacich: Provocative Christian Living 