LEARNING DAILY

 

Psalm 15, Lord who may abide in Your tabernacle?  Who may dwell in Your holy hill?  He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord; he swears to his own hurt and does not change; he who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

 

The Psalmist answers the question: What sort of person experiences the intimate presence and fellowship of God?  The terms tabernacle and holy hill represent the dwelling place of God and an intimate relationship with Him.  “The term abide refers to a temporary condition; dwell is a permanent position.  The two words suggest a progression from guest to full-time residence in the presence of God” (David Jeremiah Study Bible notes).  I wonder if there is implication that we can cause God to withdraw from us due to unrighteousness, deceit, slander, selfishness!? It is important to understand that when we abide and dwell with God, the Psalmist is not only talking about heaven but while we are on earth.  

 

Look at the answer given.  What type of person does this refer to?  Obviously, my intent is to get you to consider yourself as you finish this page of the blog – not in condemnation but to examine yourself (perhaps daily), confess sins and turn away from that which disqualifies you from God’s precious presence. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells each of us, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Each of us must do this, especially as the days grow more evil.  I want to present myself approved to God, not through my own works, but because of what the Psalmist has written.  Before I move on, know that I fail every day and it is only through the grace God extends through Jesus Christ that each of us can present ourselves unashamed.  To lose communication with God is to lose everything!

 

The David Jeremiah Study Bible defines the Psalmist’s terms in this way. Upright (sometimes translated integrity) conveys the idea of something that is wholehearted and sound.  The term righteousness is fundamental to the Old Testament morality and shows that one is in right standing with God and fellow humans.  Truth means what is right and trustworthy, not merely correct.  Backbite is the word for slander which means “to wander about on the tongue” and pictures one who walks here and there, pointing verbal venom and poisoning others behind their backs.  The vile person is literally a “worthless reprobate” someone who is totally disinterested in spiritual things.  The Israelites were prohibited from charging fellow Israelites excessive usury (excessive interest on a loan), but it was acceptable with the Gentiles.  A bribe perverts justice or corrupts conduct.

 

That is quite a list.  How did you do?  As Christians we do not make excuses for these things.  When we fail, we ask for forgiveness (see I John 1:9 – a verse I rely on!).  We also do not take advantage of God’s grace by using it as a license to sin.  No, we do our best to live the way God desires us to live.  He knows we are human and make mistakes.  He forgives!  It is His hand reaching down to pull us up when we turn to Him.  Those who live by this Psalm, will be stable and solid God-fearing people who have nothing to fear. 

 

2 Peter 1:10, Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. Tomorrow’s blog.

 

 

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