Self-evident

November 28, 2020 (Saturday)

 

     The American “Declaration of Independence” begins, “we hold these truths to be self-evident.” In other words, they were the very principles that needed no explanation or defense. Those of us who follow Christ have a similar set of principles we believe to be “self-evident.”

     The third in a set of Messianic Psalms (Psalms 22 – 24), intended to describe the death, ministry, and identity of the Messiah starts with, “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” [Psalm 24:1 ESV] To us, it is “self-evident” that God owns the world BECAUSE He is the Creator.

     The artist, the author, and the architect all own what they have created. Strange, we understand this on a merely human level but do not see it on the spiritual level. I think, for the most part, we do not see what is self-evident because we choose not see it. Trouble is, ignoring God as the Creator puts us in an alternate reality and in great jeopardy.

     The Psalm continues to ask that must be answered, “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?” [Psalm 24:3 ESV] The answer comes in the next verse. “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.” [Psalm 24:4 ESV] There are four qualifications, each of them must be met. They are clean hands, pure heart, a soul not lifted to what is false, and honesty.

     Hands are a symbol of what is done. So, to have clean hands means to avoid doing what the Bible tells us not to do AND doing what the Bible tells us to do. Sin has two dimensions. The first is to “commit” meaning do what is self-destructive (a.k.a. “sin”). The second is to “omit” doing what we are told to do.

     The heart is a symbol of the choices and attitudes we hold. Our attitudes are a choice. They are the foundational motivation for our actions. I remember sitting on the steps of the church after a sermon on attitude as a small boy. The preacher asked me, “What are you doing?” I replied with sincerity, “I’m changing my attitude!”

     How do we lift our souls up to what is false, such as an idol? I am so glad you asked! In Romans 1, there is a description of the spiritual path of darkness humanity has taken. It starts with not being thankful. This leads to not giving God glory. This leads to other things where Paul (who wrote Romans) states, not once… not twice… but three times “God gave them over.” Maybe another way to it, “God abandoned them” to their hearts desires, shameful desires, and foolish thinking.

     Honesty seems to be a causality of democracy. Meaning is nuanced to promise the most the greatest number of people. There is skill in choosing our words wisely, but let’s not mislead others with them. At the core of honesty is being trustworthy. We tend to believe the messenger or the source, not the message. After all, if it’s on the internet it has to be true, eh?

     The last three verses of Psalm 24 ask us to “life up our heads” and “be lifted up” to the King of glory. The goal is to allow the King of glory complete and rightful access. We allow the King of glory access to our hands (what we do), our hearts (our attitudes), our thanksgiving and worship, and our character.

     Tomorrow starts “Advent.” It is a time when followers of Jesus prepare and anticipate the coming of the King of glory! Let’s prepare our hands, hearts, worship, and character to meet Jesus.