Who?
A true worshipper values what is right. The worshipper “speaks truth in his heart” — he or she values the truth on the inside, not just on the outside. Honesty, truthfulness, integrity — they all arise from the heart and soul of this person. He or she knows God’s truth, and he clings to it at the very center of his being and orders his entire life around it.
And not only does he or she, positively, value God’s truth — but despises what God rejects. So the worshipper of God values what is right and does what is right. Indeed, most of this section speaks about outward behavior, especially our behavior toward others. The worshipper refrains from what is wrong, avoids what is evil; does not slander or gossip with his tongue — saying false and hurtful things about others; speaks the truth, in love; does not do evil to his neighbor; loves his neighbor as himself; does not take up a reproach against his friend — that is, throws no slurs, nor rejoices when others are insulted; a true worshipper does not take advantage of those in need and is honest even to when it hurts; swears an oath — when a promise is made — keeps it, regardless of how difficult it is. The true worshiper is a rock others can cling to; consistent in their beliefs, behavior, treats everyone fairly; takes no bribe against the innocent — even when doing the wrong thing results in great financial reward — refuses. Like God, the true worshiper will clear the innocent.
Taken all together, David is describing a man or woman who is righteous, fair, just — in every way. In summary: “He who walks blamelessly.”
That is the standard. That is the level of performance God expects from those who would be His people. Why is the bar so high? Why can’t God give us a handicap, make allowances for our imperfection?
Because we’re talking about His holy hill. The worship in His tent is to be holy because He is a Holy God. Absolutely perfect. No other characteristic of God is spoken of by the Bible the way it speaks of His holiness. Not love, not compassion, not mercy, not anything else. The Bible says repeatedly that God is holy, holy, holy — stressing it three times, the highest emphasis possible in the Biblical languages. God is absolutely perfect and holy, and wants nothing less from us, His people. We bear His image, we represent Him on the earth, we are the crown of His creation.
Who then — may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Only perfect righteousness, a spotless life, will please God.
Only one person in human history ever perfectly kept God’s law. Only one man was blameless, did no evil, perfectly loved His neighbor, truly and consistently valued the things of God, whose character was not only beyond any reproach, but never changed — and never changes - Jesus Christ. What we cannot do - Jesus Christ did. He met and exceeded the standard God set. And in doing so, He earned the right to stand before God the Father. And more than that — more than a perfect life and a spotless record – He died the death that we all deserve for our sins. He took the place of sinners on His cross. He was pierced for our transgressions. Crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brings us peace was laid on Him. God the Father laid on His own Son, Jesus Christ, the sins of us all. Jesus Christ arose from the grave to conquer sin and death for all eternity.
So who then — may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? The one who recognizes their failure to do all these things David describes, and realizes that they have no hope of eternal life, of pleasing God, on their own. The only way we can hope to stand before God and not be immediately destroyed is Christ.
That’s the Gospel – that’s the good news - Jesus Christ. And by trusting in Him, we are joined to Christ by faith, and once again have fellowship with God. We may now stand on that hill, in that tent, to praise and glorify God.
Dear Friend, David closes his psalm with a promise: “He who does these things will never be shaken.” He or she - who is blameless, who does what is right — cannot be moved. And we, who are joined to Jesus Christ by faith — will not be shaken. God is our foundation and our assurance. Nothing in this life, no powers or persecutions or storms or swords, can ever shake us — for Christ holds us in His hand!
We can’t do it ourselves — and that’s the very reason why we’re safe! What an awesome God! What wonderful salvation! And what amazing grace!
Created over 1 year ago
