As you open the posting, first take some time and meditate on the verses that follow. Read them over slowly several times until something catches your attention. Then ponder on what got your attention before you read what I saw in the passage. Then come back to what you saw in the passage throughout your day.
Psalm 24
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
7 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty;
the Lord, invincible in battle.
9 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
10 Who is the King of glory?
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory.
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The Psalm begins with a question: “Who may stand in his holy place?” The answer sets a very high standard: “Those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols, and who never tell a lie.”
Honesty is a high value for God. The “idol” thing is more subtle for us. We don’t pay much attention to our modern idols. Our idols are different from those in Bible times. Our idols include Nascar, the NFL, money, position, etc. Someone from another culture said one of our idols is sports, and the shrines are the stadiums–so true,
But what does the psalmist mean by true hands and hearts? I think it refers to the fact that our heart must be singular–focused on Jesus. That must be at least close to what David had in mind.
We today can stand in the holy place because we are covered by the righteousness of Jesus.