Clean Hands

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 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. (Psalm 24:1-6 ESV).

 

Times have certainly changed in a very short period of time. Who, in the last weeks of 2019, would have thought we would need detailed instructions printed and posted in virtually every public place within weeks of 2020. Covid-19, the novel coronavirus having now infected over 2 million people and causing the death of nearly 120,000 people in our nation alone, has changed our lives and habits forever. I never thought I’d be wearing a mask, washing so frequently, and using hand sanitizer so much in my lifetime. I do know that both Mary and I are taking the warnings very seriously. We both fall into the “high-risk” category for various reasons.

 

Thinking about that new truth, I was reminded of our psalm for today. In ancient times a bowl of ­water was placed at the entrance of the place of worship so that everyone who came to worship the Lord could wash their hands before coming inside. It offered everyone an opportunity to reflect about who God is in comparison to us, and to be reminded to humble oneself in God’s presence. He says, “Who is worthy to stand in the holy presence of God?” His answer is clear: Only those who have “clean hands and a pure heart.” (vv. 3-4). These are the people who do not “trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” Being dishonest or deceitful is something God hates. Perhaps that’s because God knows how easily we can deceive ourselves about what we truly worship or about where we actually place our trust.

 

Of course that’s not the only way of getting “dirty hands.” There are many things we hold closely in our hands as if these things could bring us life, as if they had the power of God to secure and redeem us from death. Jesus knew the cleansing power of water. He showed his skill with a bowl of water and a towel as he washed his disciples’ dirty feet (cf. John 13). Being willing to acknowledge the dirt on our hands and feet is the first step in becoming his disciples. This may be the perfect time to reflect on that question. Every time you wash your hands today think on the gift of grace God is offering to you. Then thank Him for making you clean through the sacrifice of Christ.