Processing for God-A lost art? Psalm 24

Psalm 24 was likely a Psalm used when the Israelites would process into the sanctuary with the Ark of the Covenant.[1]  The Ark of the Covenant was the chest that contained the two tablets with the 10 commandments, an urn of manna and Aaron’s building rod.[2] The Israelites carried this everywhere they went.  For them it represented the presence of God with them. 

            One of the things I cherished about attending Candler School of Theology was the diversity of denominations represented there.  We had a very strong Episcopal presence and I learned much from my Episcopal colleagues.  They have a respect for things sacred that mirrors the image of the Israelites processing with the Ark of the Covenant.  When an Episcopal service begins there is an atmosphere of celebration and reverence all at the same time as they process in with the symbols of our faith.  God is to be revered!  God is to be celebrated.  The Psalm reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants to.  All belongs to the Lord.  Do we recognize that enough?  Do we celebrate it enough?

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[1] Greene, Joel et al, ed. Wesley Study Bible, Common English Bible, Nashville, Common English Bible, 2012), pg. 701 study notes

[2] Freedman, David Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible(Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000) pg. 102