Would it be too much to say that woven within the fabric of men, and women, is an innate appreciation of perfection? There’s a reason that “pure gold” is valued and that almost anyone can sense the worth of a high quality diamond. An athlete who executes perfectly, a musician who plays flawlessly, a craftsman who crafts meticulously . . . all are appreciated whether or not you like the sport or the type of music or can hammer a nail to save your life. I know it’s a general statement . . . and probably not explained or illustrated very well . . . but I’m thinking that there is something within the heart of man which recognizes perfection when it sees it and, when it sees it, is moved to admire it. What’s got me thinking about this? The beauty of holiness.

“Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
   Bring an offering, and come before Him.
     Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” — 1Chronicles 16:29

After one failed attempt at bringing the ark up to Jerusalem, David tries again (1Chron. 15) . . . this time the right away . . . the ark is carried and delivered at the hands of readied Levites. And as you read of the transport of the place where God said His glory would dwell to the mount where God desired to make known His presence, you can’t but be awed and overwhelmed at the energy that accompanies the event. Stringed instruments are strumming . . . harps are ringing . . . trumpets are blaring . . . cymbals are crashing . . . singers are singing . . . King David is whirling and playing music . . . the people are shouting . . . the voice of resounding joy envelopes the ark as it is transported to Jerusalem.

After the ark is placed to rest in the tabernacle, David declares a day of celebration and writes an original composition which he delivers to Asaph, the singer, and his brethren to perform before the Lord (16:7). “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him . . . Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! . . . For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised . . . Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!” (16:9, 10, 25, 29)

David placed this command in three of his psalms . . . here in 1Chronicles, also in Psalm 29 (v.2) and Psalm 96 (v.9). The NIV and ESV say to worship the Lord “in the splendor of holiness” . . . the NASB, “in holy array”. Regardless of how you translate it, there is something about holiness . . . the perfection that sets something apart as sacred . . . that is worthy of praise. There is a beauty and splendor of that which stands above and separate from the rest because of it’s intrinsic quality of character, which stirs the heart and soul to respond in declarations of appreciation and adoration.

It’s a command that is easy to obey . . a joy to submit to . . . a privilege to participate in . . . because, for the believer, it really has a double meaning, doesn’t it. I am to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness . . . and I do so, in the beauty of mine. Go figure . . . I have the privilege of worshiping “I AM”, the One arrayed in heavenly splendor . . . I can enter the Holy of Holies . . . my offerings can be delivered into the very presence of the God who lives in unapproachable light. And this right of passage is mine because I have been clothed in holiness . . . washed and perfected through the blood of Christ . . . declared “set apart” through the imputed righteousness of the Son of God . . . the curtain of the temple torn from top to bottom welcoming my entrance . . . making the way for me to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness . . . His . . . and mine.

There is something within the heart of this man which recognizes perfection . . . . . in himself, solely because of the work of Christ . . . and, in the God of heaven and the Son of Glory. And when he sees it, he’s moved to admire it . . . to stand in awe of it . . . and to respond in welcomed obedience to David’s command . . . and worship in the beauty of holiness.

Pretty cool! Amen?