Intimacy with God - Part 3

Intimacy with God - Part 3


Psalm 15

We have been looking at the question, “Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” The latter part of verse 5 says, “He who does these things will never be shaken.” The first “thing” the Psalmist writes is to walk blamelessly. In order to walk blamelessly, one would have to obey the commands of God in everything. The next qualification has to do with speech: Speaks truth from his heart. The word translated “truth” comes from a root meaning “to be firm, reliable, and trustworthy.” In other words, “He who speaks with one mouth,” “He whose words are straight,” or “He whose words are true.” When you mix in the heart, you are adding a whole lot of sincerity.

The next qualification for entering the Temple has to do with not spreading malicious gossip or speaking ill of others. The next two deal with two synonymous terms, friend and neighbor. The Temple dweller does no harm or nothing bad to others. That would be implying those who may be considered enemies as well.

David sets himself to remind his friends of certain key truths about God. He is sovereign over all (v. 4a). He is well aware of the wicked and what they are doing (v. 4b). He is not ambivalent about evil but has a perfect dislike for it and in due time will bring judgment on the wicked (vv. 5–6). On the other hand, the Lord loves righteousness and smiles upon those who practice it (v. 7).

Such truths present us with a sharp dilemma. If the Lord indeed loves righteousness and hates evil, why does he allow evil to flourish and to trouble His people? David does not attempt a detailed answer. He wrote to affirm his faith, not to unravel the tangled thread of evil. But he does drop a hint for us: ‘The Lord tests the righteous’ (v. 5).

When evil thrives, it gives the people of God the opportunity to show the stuff of which they are made; to show that they do not love and serve God only in fair weather but also in turbulent storms.

Continue to read through Psalm 15 and ask the Lord to reveal new and ever-flowing truth to you as you learn to love others as Jesus does.

Pray for the services on Sunday as we continue the series in Daniel.

May you speak the truth from your heart today as you show a lost world the hope of Jesus.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike