Tag: pure heart

Creation 1

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The Aim of this devotional study is to consider our moral accountability towards the Creator, and our consequent responsibility.

Scripture

Psalms 24:1-10

1  A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. 2  For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters.

3  Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5  He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6  This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah

7  Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. 9  Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah

Observation

Note: Psalm 24 was written by David when he brought back the Ark of the Covenant of Israel to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-17).

  1. The Psalm has three logical sections – Identify it and summarize each section very briefly.
  2. Why does the Psalmist declare the LORD (Hebrew YAHWEH) is the owner of all?
  3. After announcing the LORD’s reign and creation, what does the Psalmist right about (v3-6)? What do you read into that?  What does the Psalmist want to say by doing that?
  4. What do you understand by the statement “clean hands and a pure heart”?
  5. Why the reference to “Jacob”? What is the association?
  6. What do you understand by the repeated phrase “lift up your heads, O you gates… and the King of glory shall come in”?

Application and Prayer

  1. What do you think / feel when you read the phrase “The earth is the LORD’s… for He has [created] it”? Are you comfortable with this statement? Why / why not? (Tell your accountability partner / Bible School Buddy of your response!)
  2. Prayerfully consider your “hands” (actions) and “heart” (thoughts and motives) before God, the Sovereign LORD. Pray with David from Psalm 139 “23  Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24  And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Then pray as the Holy Spirit leads – confession / repentance / thanks.
  3. Prayerfully consider all the areas of influence God has placed you in: home, relationships, work, neighborhood, church. Pray for the Lord’s reign (“Let Your kingdom come”) as the David prayed “9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory.”  Let this be prayer everywhere you find yourself this week – invite the reign of God in!