Clean Hands & Pure Heart
Psalm 24:3-6
“Go wash your hands before dinner.” How many times have you heard that in your life? We learn the importance of washing our hands from a young age, and as adults, we remind our children to do the same. Public restrooms display signs illustrating the proper way to wash our hands. Having clean hands is essential.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
- Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV)
These verses present two forms of cleansing: the ceremonial act of immersion in the mikvah (submerging the physical body in water) and the spiritual practice of purifying one's heart (offering an animal as a sacrifice). Both practices were essential for holiness and worship in the Old Testament.
The Question
The psalmist David loved Mount Zion—Jerusalem. He and his mighty men courageously captured the city from the Jebusites, establishing it as David’s destined capital.
In this Psalm, David asks, “Who?” Pause for a moment and reflect on the depth of his inquiry. Is anyone genuinely able to come and stand before the Lord?
The Answer
God calls us to a walk of integrity. The psalmist did not approach the Lord haphazardly or hastily. He recognized two aspects of our being: our hands and hearts.
Our outward appearance is reflected in having “clean hands.” Am I living a righteous and good life in my relationship with God? What are my actions toward others in terms of my relationships? How do I communicate with people? What is the tone of my voice and the words I choose to speak?
The inward person is depicted by a "pure heart.” What are my thoughts and desires? These remain hidden from the view of others. However, the Lord sees and knows all. Are we humbly confessing our sinful thoughts and actions to the Lord and asking His forgiveness?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
- Matthew 5:8
The Promise
When believers seek the Lord and follow His righteous ways, they will receive His blessing. This is God’s favor toward faithful followers. He is our Redeemer and will help, protect, guide, and direct our steps in life.
He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah.
- Psalm 24:5-6 (ESV)
Head to Heart
Spend five minutes sitting quietly with the Lord. I have provided a familiar prayer outline and Bible verses to read and meditate on.
A – Adoration (Proclaim your profound respect, love, and admiration for the Lord.)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
- 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
C – Confession (Acknowledge your sin, failure, and need for a Savior.)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- 1 John 1:9
T – Thanksgiving (Express your gratitude and appreciation to the Lord.)
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
- Psalm 69:30
S – Supplication (Humbly request the Lord's provision for yourself and others.)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:19
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