The Holiness of God: Psalm 99
Tuesday: The Holiness of God
Scripture: Psalm 99
Can We Approach a Holy God?
Many people today struggle with authority. We are suspicious of power because we’ve seen it abused—whether in politics, workplaces, or even churches. If absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the saying goes, then how can we trust a God who reigns with absolute authority? How do we know He won’t misuse His power like so many human leaders have?
Psalm 99 gives us an answer. This psalm is a hymn of praise to God as the King who reigns over all the earth. It declares that God is holy—a word repeated three times (vv. 3, 5, 9) to emphasize its weight. Unlike human rulers, who are flawed and corruptible, God is perfectly righteous. His justice is unshakable, His ways are pure, and His rule is marked by equity (v. 4). The psalm recalls how God revealed Himself in history—how He spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, guiding His people with mercy and justice (vv. 6-8). But this same holy God is also near to His people, answering their prayers and forgiving their sins.
Holiness means "set apart," and God is utterly different from us in His purity, justice, and power. In the Old Testament, this meant that sinful humans could not approach Him freely. Yet, as this psalm shows, God made a way through intercessors like Moses and the priests. But even they were imperfect. That’s why we need Jesus, the perfect High Priest, who makes it possible for us to draw near to the Holy God.
Living in Reverence and Confidence
Many people today want a God who is approachable but not a God who is holy. But Psalm 99 reminds us that we need both. If God were only holy and distant, we could never know Him. If He were only approachable without holiness, He would be just another flawed ruler. But in Christ, we see both realities fully revealed. Jesus is the King who reigns in holiness, yet He also welcomes sinners into His presence.
Practically, this means that we should worship God with both reverence and confidence. Do you treat God lightly—only turning to Him when you need something? Or do you fear Him so much that you hesitate to come to Him at all? The gospel frees us from both extremes. We should approach God with awe, knowing He is holy, but also with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us.
Take time this week to cultivate a heart of worship. Set aside distractions and meditate on who God is—His holiness, His justice, His mercy. When you pray, acknowledge His greatness. And when you struggle, remember that because of Jesus, you can approach the throne of grace freely.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Father, You are holy, just, and righteous. I confess that I often take You for granted, forgetting Your greatness. Help me to worship You with both reverence and confidence. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for me to approach You. Shape my heart to honor You in all I do. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in awe of Your holiness while resting in Your love. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 99
Can We Approach a Holy God?
Many people today struggle with authority. We are suspicious of power because we’ve seen it abused—whether in politics, workplaces, or even churches. If absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the saying goes, then how can we trust a God who reigns with absolute authority? How do we know He won’t misuse His power like so many human leaders have?
Psalm 99 gives us an answer. This psalm is a hymn of praise to God as the King who reigns over all the earth. It declares that God is holy—a word repeated three times (vv. 3, 5, 9) to emphasize its weight. Unlike human rulers, who are flawed and corruptible, God is perfectly righteous. His justice is unshakable, His ways are pure, and His rule is marked by equity (v. 4). The psalm recalls how God revealed Himself in history—how He spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, guiding His people with mercy and justice (vv. 6-8). But this same holy God is also near to His people, answering their prayers and forgiving their sins.
Holiness means "set apart," and God is utterly different from us in His purity, justice, and power. In the Old Testament, this meant that sinful humans could not approach Him freely. Yet, as this psalm shows, God made a way through intercessors like Moses and the priests. But even they were imperfect. That’s why we need Jesus, the perfect High Priest, who makes it possible for us to draw near to the Holy God.
Living in Reverence and Confidence
Many people today want a God who is approachable but not a God who is holy. But Psalm 99 reminds us that we need both. If God were only holy and distant, we could never know Him. If He were only approachable without holiness, He would be just another flawed ruler. But in Christ, we see both realities fully revealed. Jesus is the King who reigns in holiness, yet He also welcomes sinners into His presence.
Practically, this means that we should worship God with both reverence and confidence. Do you treat God lightly—only turning to Him when you need something? Or do you fear Him so much that you hesitate to come to Him at all? The gospel frees us from both extremes. We should approach God with awe, knowing He is holy, but also with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us.
Take time this week to cultivate a heart of worship. Set aside distractions and meditate on who God is—His holiness, His justice, His mercy. When you pray, acknowledge His greatness. And when you struggle, remember that because of Jesus, you can approach the throne of grace freely.
Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Father, You are holy, just, and righteous. I confess that I often take You for granted, forgetting Your greatness. Help me to worship You with both reverence and confidence. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for me to approach You. Shape my heart to honor You in all I do. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in awe of Your holiness while resting in Your love. Amen.
Posted in Psalm
Recent
Archive
2025
February
The Lord’s Messenger Prepares the Way: Malachi 3:1-3A Dwelling Place for the Lord: Psalm 84The Depths of Sin and the Grace of God: Catechism Q18-24Jesus, Our Merciful High Priest: Hebrews 2:14-18A Light for the Nations: Luke 2:22-40God's Call in Our Weakness: Judges 6:11-24God’s Faithful Restoration: Psalm 85The Call to Faith and Repentance: Catechism (25-35)The Gospel That Transforms: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11A Call to Follow: Luke 5:1-11Roots in the Desert or Streams of Life?: Jeremiah 17:5-10The Search for Happiness: Psalm 1God's Mission and Family: Catechism (Q38-41)The Fear of the End: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20When Sucess Isn't Enough: Luke 6:17-26Good News for the Broken: Isaiah 61:1-4A New Song for a Weary World: Psalm 96The Call to Love and Obedience: Catechism (Questions 42-44)The Question of Belonging: Romans 10:9-17When Doubt Creeps In: John 20:19-31
March
Reflecting God's Glory: Exodus 34:29-35The Holiness of God: Psalm 99The Grace of Justification: Catechism (Questions 45-47)The Greatest Gift: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Seeing Jesus as He Truly Is: Luke 9:28-36A Story That Shapes Us: Deuteronomy 26:5-11Sheltered in God's Presence: Psalm 91:9-16Sanctification: Catechism (Questions 48-50)The Security of Salvation: Romans 10:4-13The Struggle with Temptation: Luke 4:1-13Faith in the Midst of Doubt: Genesis 15:1-18Seeking God in the Midst of Fear: Psalm 27:8-16The Assurance of Salvation (Questions 51-52)Our True CitizenshipJesus’ Compassion in the Face of RejectionCalled by God in the Midst of WeaknessThe Boundless Mercy of GodThe Role of Scripture in Our Lives (Questions 53-58)Standing Firm in the Face of TemptationThe Call to Repentance and FruitfulnessLeaving the Past Behind
April
Tasting and Seeing God’s GoodnessThe Power of Prayer (Questions 59-62)A New Creation in ChristThe Father’s Heart for the LostGod’s New ThingSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyWalking in ObediencePressing On Toward the GoalRejecting or Receiving the CornerstoneThe Servant Who Brings JusticeA Prayer for Strength in Troubled TimesThe Gift of the Holy SpiritThe Lord’s Supper: Remembering His SacrificeIt Is FinishedMonday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionTuesday of Easter Week 1 – DevotionThe Church as the Body of Christ (17th Wednesday - Questions 73-76)Thursday of Easter Week 1 – Devotion