Psalm
24: 3-4 Who
may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has
clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear
by what is false.
A psalm of
kingship
For 3,000 years this psalm
has taught people the absolute priority in their lives of the worship of God.
Today it is recited by Jews on the first day of each week. It is used by
Christians on Ascension Day. In other churches it is sung before Holy
Communion.
Originally it probably was a
song used when the procession of priests and people carried the Ark of the
Covenant into the sanctuary in an annual celebration. The Ark signified God’s
presence in the midst of his people. It was the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol
of God’s special relationship in love and loyalty to all Israel and to David
and the line of kings after him. In gratitude to God, this ceremony was held
year after year in order that both the leaders and the people together could
renew their loyalty to God.
Who is worthy of this
worship of God? Some might say only those who have regularly attended worship
each Sabbath day. Others might ask if you have kept all the commandments and
Laws of Scripture. But the writer points
to the cleanness of our hands and the purity of our heart. He asks us to
reflect on our actions and our motivations of heart. The requirements noted
point us to the intent of the worshipper. They come in to worship God while
remaining sinners.
Today the worshipers of God come covered by
Christ Jesus. His death and resurrection takes away the punishment for our
sins. The Holy Spirit enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth. Christ
alone makes possible our drawing near to God in repentance and in faith. He
alone is our salvation and our King of Glory.