Quest for Hope
Sealed by Truth 3-14-16
Psalm 24:1-6
On Saturday, our focus was on the cost of the cross when entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus will call us to pick up our cross and follow him. Today on our quest for hope, we will read about how our hearts are sealed by truth and we are saved by the righteousness of Christ, yet in his song David reveals there are terms. Let’s read about them.
Psalm 24:1-6 A psalm of David.
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.
We are not to come to God on our terms; rather, we are to approach God on His terms. David begins his song, by recognizing Yahweh as our holy King. He is the King of creation and everything belongs to him. He has complete rule over all things, so how can mere humans ascend to have a relationship with this exalted and holy Ruler?
As we continue reading, we note “only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” Ok, that certainly sends the message we must live by the terms of Truth—we must have a relationship with Truth to know God’s heart. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We need Jesus to worship the fullness of God; Jesus relationally positions us and causes us to know Truth.
We also realize from David’s song, that we must operate in Truth with other people; we must take responsibility to love and serve our fellow human beings with God’s true love. We cannot injure the heart and soul of others and still be clean before God. It’s a package deal: love God and love others…and God calls it the heart of worship.
Prayer: Father, I come to you in relationship with Jesus; my Savior. My hope is secure in your Spirit-driven power helping me live this out, today. Because you love me and I am sealed by Truth, I will choose to pour myself out to love you and serve others with the gifts you have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.