Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
WHO SHALL DWELL ON THE LORD’S HOLY HILL?
Psalms 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Psalms 15:1)
This short psalm begins with a question, ends with a promise, and the verses in between answer the questions illustrated in the first verse. The questions “O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” are figuratively asking who can come in the Divine presence of the Lord? (an important question for all Christians). In verses 2-5a, it lists outwardly actions that can be done that represent an inward faithfulness and truthfulness to the Divine One (noted specifically vs. 2b). This is seen as a “righteous man” or faithful believer. The psalm is closed with a promise that those who abide in His presence and is faithful in heart, mind and life, will never be shaken.
It is important to take note that this psalm is not promoting a life of a Christian that may be full of actions and no real relationship with God, but one that is a faithful believer in his heart which is reflected through his actions.
Life Application
Many times as Christians, we can do all works that a Christian is expected to do and behave like, but this Psalm 15 deepens this understanding that a faithful believer is not just actions, but a faith that cannot be moved. As it states in James 2, faith without works is dead and that by works faith was made perfect. These concepts help us understand Psalm 15 better. In order to be a faithful believer, our works should reflect our faith to be made perfect, to come before His Divine presence as it was stated at the beginning of Psalm 15. Our lives should be constantly challenged to move away from just works filled lives, but lives that are reflective of the character of a faithful believer who can come before the Lords Holy presence which every human being longs for.
Prayer
Lord, many times we may fall into the repetitive actions of Christian living and depend on our works to be considered a “Christian”. Help us to know that our faith is our only saving grace and that our works are a mere reflection of the inward change You make in us. Help us to always reexamine our lives and assure that our works are backed up with faith that cannot be shaken. Amen.
Betty Vattakunnel, Trinity MTC, Houston.