Our scripture this morning is Psalms 24:1-5.
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
God created everything and everything belongs to Him, including us. That would be the end of the story, but God loves us and gave us free will that we might love Him in return. It’s not love if there is no choice.
This psalm reminds us of the requirements in order to be connected with God. We read that only “those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully” can be blessed. However, we can’t become clean on our own, we need to go to Him in repentance, washed by the blood of Jesus.
God wants us to love Him and each other in order to live in peace during our earthly life. Those who turn to Him in faith and live according to His law are redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice and will follow Him to eternity. It’s not within our power to get there alone, but it is up to us to choose.
Loving Lord, we are sorrow for our foolish pride, thinking our wisdom and strength will save us. Only You can make us whole again, and we turn to You for forgiveness. Amen.
