All of the Bible is about Jesus. Even the Old Testament.

Ps. 24:3-4, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol.”

I used to like this verse when I was younger because I thought I had clean hands and a pure heart. After all, I never drank, smoked, or slept around like many young guys my age…

But when I got older, I started to not like this verse because I realized that I have many idols – Family, gadgets, reputation, exotic vacations – all the things I treasured more than God.

But now that I’m learning to live by the gospel (rather than being saved by it and then trying to live on my own strength), I’m liking the verse again.

Why? Because I realize the one with clean hands and a pure heart is not me, but it’s Jesus. He is the One who ascended the hill of the Lord (Jerusalem) on the way to the cross. (Remember, Jesus said he HAD TO go to Jerusalem even though his disciples tried to stop Him?).

Jesus is the one with clean hands and a pure heart who ascended the hill of the Lord for me! To die for my failings of not having clean hands and a pure heart. He lived the life I should’ve lived!!!

Later in this psalm (24:7), it says, “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

Since Jesus went up the holy hill on our behalf with His clean hands and pure heart, all we have to do is to open up the door of our hearts to Him and let Him come in. Then, our sin and idolatry will be put upon Him, and His clean hands and His pure heart will be put upon us!

Praise God! How awesome a God we have!

PH