S) "6 I shall wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders."
Psalm 26:6-7 (NASB)
O) This psalm shows again, one of the driving characteristics of David. In whatever circumstance he found himself, he sought the LORD in worship, and praised him boldly among the people around him. These particular verses highlight an aspect of worship that cannot be neglected: righteousness. The most important word between these two verses, might be the word, "that" because it directly links v.6 (which is about righteousness) and v.7 (which is about worship and praise). The reason righteousness is important before worship (which is toward God directly), is because of God's unapproachable holiness. In the Old Testament, we see that sinful men would die in the presence of the Holy One, which is why the order of atoning sacrifices were how they were (with the high priest being sanctified first, so he could go minister the sacrifices of atonement for the rest of the priesthood, and then the rest of the nation). The reason righteousness is important before praising God (which may be directed at God, or at people, and is about God), is because it validates who God is, and why He is worthy of our worship, adoration, and devotion.
A) The expression of these two principles is different in Christ. In Christ alone, our righteousness is given to us. We are made innocent because of the cleansing of His blood, which sacrifices us as holy with Him. Then, our worship toward Him is pure and unblemished, and our praise of His redemption becomes powerful. When we allow God to sanctify us, He isn't simply forgiving our sins. God is changing our hearts, changing our perspectives, and changing our behaviors. So, by submitting myself to the sanctification that comes through His mercies, people are able to correlate the words of my praise to the evident work of His sanctification in me. The words of my praise are validated by the righteousness in my life.
P) Father, it is all for Your glory. Your redemptive work of the gospel upon my heart, humbles me in its far reaching aspects. Not only has the work of Your grace saved me from the damnation I faced, and not only did Your grace reconcile me to Yiu, but Your grace brings my life into an eternal purpose. I pray that my life magnifies Your character, reveals Your love, and glorifies Your name. Thank You for forgiving me. I will rejoice in Your presence that that I may thank You in praise, in the presence of all. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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