The Good Way

The lamp in the sanctuary was not left dark, and the Levites were not left uncleansed. God is not honored by a people who keep the outward form while refusing the inward obedience He requires. Jeremiah rebukes those who bring costly offerings while walking in stubbornness; the incense is present, but the heart is far off. Therefore the ancient word still stands: “Stand in the ways, and see, and ask which is the good way of the Lord your God, and walk in it and you shall find rest for your souls.” (Theophilus of Antioch, To Autolycus)

In the psalm, the servant of God does not boast, but cries, “Make haste.” He knows himself poor and needy. This poverty is better than the pride that surrounded Christ in Jerusalem. Many argued about Him, measured Him by appearances, and delayed obedience behind clever speech. Even those near Him did not yet understand Him rightly: “none of these, not even His mother nor His brethren, knew Him as they ought; for after His many miracles, the Evangelist says of His brethren, For neither did His brethren believe in Him. John 7:5” (John Chrysostom, Homilies on John)

So let us not trust nearness to holy things, nor words about God, nor public religion. The lamp must actually shine. The servant must actually be cleansed. The poor must actually seek God. The hearer must actually walk in the good way. Christ taught openly in the temple, and still many hardened themselves. Therefore repent quickly, pray without delay, and do what He commands while it is called today. Better the lowly cry for help than the polished sacrifice of the disobedient.