Psalm 84:1-12
Longing, yearning and singing are overflowing from the heart of this psalmist. This is “exclamation-point” worship; How lovely! How blessed! Oh Lord hear! Is this the tone of our worship? Do you believe this passage of scriptures was intended to convey the historical account of an exceptional worshipper or rather to convey the contemporary opportunity to personally be an exceptional worshipper?
This psalmist is consumed with the beauty of God’s dwelling place – the Temple; a place with courts that abut the dwelling place of God – the inner sanctuary – the Holy of Holies, where only specially appointed priests entered after having undergone prescribed rites of purification. “A day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of my God...” This worshipper offered their exclamation point worship while just lingering near the entrance to God’s holy dwelling place.
Recently, a friend commented that I seemed to have a preference to the New Testament over the Old. The comment put me on my heals a bit. But, after some thought, I had to be honest; I do. And..this psalm reminds me why. This Old Covenant worshipper was only permitted to come as far as the threshold. We are now permitted to cross that threshold and enter into the Holy of Holies. And we are invited to do it with boldness! (Check out Hebrews 4:16, 7:1-9:28) Scripture tells us that saints of old, their prophets and even angels were longing to understand this covenant that would some day come. This idea of going into the most holy dwelling place of God was unthinkable in this psalmist’s day; unregenerate man would have perished immediately in God’s Holy presence. And yet here we are, partakers. If the Old Covenant produced exclamation points, what type of worship should the New Covenant produce in us?
Verse 24 of Jude says it well. ” Now to Him, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, …”
Father, may there be a growing abundance of joyful exclamations points in our hearts as we learn to abide in You; and in the glories of this newer covenant that permits us as children to presume continually upon Your steadfast love and enjoy Your Presence. O Lord, let us be a people who have crossed over the threshold with hearts filled with boldness and joy. And, as Moses face was alight with Your life, may we too live brightly, consuming the shadows of our dark surroundings. Amen.