Day 22, Year 1 Drawing Near to God and Receiving His Righteousness…

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.” (Psalm 24:3-4 NKJV)

Yesterday we mentioned drawing near to God and receiving His righteous decisions. But who could draw near to Him? It is those who enter the sanctuary and come before God. Today’s verse from the Old Testament makes a point—it is neither about rituals, such as offering sacrifices, nor any lineage, such as the Levitical priestly family. It is mainly about the four aspects of whether our words and actions are pure and upright, and maintain justice and integrity in daily living so as to draw near to Him.

“Clean” for “clean hands,” naqi in Hebrew, means “clear, free from guilt or punishment.” It suggests that God’s people do no evil and are free from guilt and punishment. It seems clear that the term “hands” signifies physical hands, which symbolize our strength and actions, all of which should be clean and free from guilt or sin.

“Pure” in “pure heart,” bar in Hebrew, also means “sincere, clear, innocent.” People with a pure, sincere, and humble heart toward God could receive His judgments. This reminds us that our hearts should remain pure and humble so as to receive and obey all of His words.

“Idol” in the phrase “has not lifted up his soul to an idol,” is “vanity” in King James Version. “Vanity” or “Idol” is shav’ in Hebrew, meaning “falsehood, emptiness, worthlessness, lying.” It is also used to describe the emptiness of idol worshipping. Indeed, people could worship idols humbly and “guilt-free,” but they cannot draw near to the Most High God. How about following Jesus with an idolatrous mindset? In my opinion, this might attract evil spirits impostering Jesus and this is horrible.”Nor sworn deceitfully.”

“Deceitfulness” is mirmah in Hebrew, which also means “deception, treachery, dishonesty.” Today’s verse suggests that we should have no insincerity or intention to deceive when we speak. How does one distinguish between truth and falsehood, value and worthlessness? The key lies in following God’s wisdom. From this verse, it is inferred that believers could tell jokes, as long as the listeners know it is a joke. Today’s verse reveals how vital our everyday deeds and interactions with others in honesty and good intentions are related to drawing near to God and being blessed.

Reflection questions:

1) Which of the four aspects above do you find the hardest to achieve? If any, how would you lean on the Lord to make improvements?

2) What is the key to successfully practicing the four elements mentioned in today’s verse throughout your lifetime?