"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. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation." - Psalm 24:3-5
I find it curious how the Lord reveals spiritual truth to me. I wasn't looking for it and yet there it is - staring me in the face, if you will. That happened today at church.
When we (my wife and I ) arrived we were given a small packet that contained a cracker and grape juice as we entered the sanctuary. Being the alert person that I am (sometimes) I realized it was Communion Sunday. We entered the sanctuary, found a place to sit. The service started - some baptisms, singing, praying, and then the sermon. After the sermon (it was on John 13 - Jesus washing the disciples' feet) the pastor led us in the communion service.
At the beginning, he had us pray and reflect to "get our hearts right" in preparation for receiving communion. I don't know how many communion services I have participated in, but they all have been essentially the same.
Earlier, prior to the congregation being called to order, my wife asked me why people were not sitting in the pews personally preparing for the service. Instead - many had a meet and greet right to the point of the formal service starting, then there were several baptisms, some wonderful worship music, prayer, the sermon and then everyone got their hearts right so they could receive communion.
That is when the Lord spoke to me. Not audibly. But when the spiritual lights come on - you know it. The thought came to me - so the people, me included, who came here watched a baptism - a spiritual event - sang praises to God - joined in corporate prayer - listened to the pastor preach the Word - and then it was time to get our hearts right so we could take communion together. What did the Lord say to me? Actually it was the question posed in Psalm 24. "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?"
On Sunday, when have we ascended into the hill of the Lord? Not until after we arrived at the church, parked our cars, found a seat, and the music has begun? That is like eating the appetizer and then praying before you eat the main course. Isn't the appetizer food? Didn't God provide the means for us to buy the appetizer just like he did the main course?
Wouldn't it seem better to take a few minutes - even in the car - to focus our hearts toward God and then enter the "Hill"?
It is easy to take God for granted and to ignore the fact that we are standing on holy ground when we approach God. If we are not careful - our faith can become a ritual - devoid of the Spirit - a vain religion - just like the Pharisees.
I am not writing this to shame you but to stir your hearts toward God.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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