Daily Devotional
Ordered Praise, Ordered Life
David did not leave the praise of God to impulse. He appointed men by name, in courses, for the service of song, so that prophecy, music, and obedience stood together. The house of God was not served by disorder, but by a people assigned to their work. As Origen says, “That people which was called of old the people of God was divided into twelve tribes, and over and above the other tribes it had the levitical order, which itself again carried on the service of God in various priestly and levitical suborders.” If such order belonged to the shadows, how much more should those who serve the living Christ keep good order in charity, purity, and worship.
So the apostle binds holy conduct to the sacrifice now required of us: steadfast brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, remembrance of prisoners and the afflicted, freedom from the love of money, obedience to faithful leaders, and the sacrifice of praise joined to doing good and sharing. Praise with the lips, while the life is crooked, is not acceptable music. The psaltery was straight; let the heart be straight also.
The apostle also joins purity to worship. The marriage bed must be kept undefiled, and fornication judged. Chrysostom speaks soberly here: “For marriage is honorable Hebrews 13:4, not holy. Marriage is pure: it does not however also give holiness, except by forbidding the defilement of that [holiness] which has been given by our Faith.” Therefore no one should boast in a lawful state while living without discipline. Whether married or unmarried, each must guard the body, the tongue, and the purse.
Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Therefore let our worship be steadfast, our alms practical, our chastity clean, and our endurance firm.
“That people which was called of old the people of God was divided into twelve tribes, and over and above the other tribes it had the levitical order, which itself again carried on the service of God in various priestly and levitical suborders.”
— Origen, Commentary on John
“For marriage is honorable Hebrews 13:4, not holy. Marriage is pure: it does not however also give holiness, except by forbidding the defilement of that [holiness] which has been given by our Faith.”
— John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews
For Reflection & Discussion
What fixed act of praise and prayer will you keep today at an appointed hour, so that your worship is ordered rather than left to chance?
Whom will you receive, visit, or help this week—a stranger, a prisoner, or someone under hardship—and what concrete gift or provision will you bring?
What must you cut off today to keep your body and household undefiled: a secret impurity, a careless word, or a greedy habit—and to whom should you confess or make amendment?
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