“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4).
The final destination of all souls who walk toward heaven is Christ. He is at the center because He is equally related to all who belong to God. Everything that is at the center is common to all—and Christ is the meeting point. He is the refuge, the secure mountain to which everyone must ascend. And whoever climbs this mountain should not descend again.
It is there, at the summit, that there is protection. Christ is the mountain of refuge, and He is at the right hand of the Father, for He ascended to heaven after perfectly fulfilling the divine will. But not everyone is on the way to this mountain. The promise is not for just anyone. Only those who truly believe and obey have access to the eternal refuge prepared by God.
To believe that Jesus was sent by the Father is essential—but it is not everything. The soul must obey the powerful Law of God, revealed by the prophets of the Old Testament and by Jesus Himself. True faith goes hand in hand with sincere obedience. Only those who believe and obey are received by Christ and led to the place prepared by Him. -Adapted from Augustine of Hippo. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Lord my God, I thank You because You have placed Your Son at the center of everything, as my firm rock and eternal refuge. I know that outside of Christ there is no salvation, and it is to Him that I want to turn every day of my life.
Strengthen my faith so that I may truly believe that Jesus was sent by You. And give me an obedient heart, so that I may sincerely fulfill all Your powerful Law and the commandments You delivered through the prophets and Your own Son. I do not want to merely ascend the mountain—I want to remain on it, steadfast in obedience and faith.
Oh, Most Holy God, I worship and praise You for showing me the way of salvation. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is the steep path that leads to the summit of Your presence. Your holy commandments are like secure steps that draw me away from the world and closer to heaven. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
