Scripture: Psalm
15
This psalm of David is thought to be a prayer that was used
when a person entered into worship.[1]
It is, in a sense, like confession and absolution which causes us to reflect on
our sin even as we receive God’s forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. The psalm asks
who is worthy to live with God and then goes on to describe a person who is
essentially perfect. The psalm confronts us as we, too, desire to live with God
and reminds us that perfection is the standard. Thanks be to God that Jesus’s
forgiveness gives us access to live with God!
Teaching
In the Lutheran liturgy there is often a moment of silence
to reflect upon God’s Word before we confess our sins. The Word of God that
first comes to mind at that point is often the Ten Commandments. Luther wrote that
sins, “we know and feel in our hearts,” are known by considering, “your place and
life according to the Ten Commandments….”[2]
However, Psalm 15 can serve a similar function, for who “walks blamelessly and
does what is right” all the time? Who always speaks the truth and never speaks
ill of others? No one, thus our need for God’s mercy.
God’s Law is rooted in love and shows us how to love God and
love our neighbor. Psalm 15 emphasizes the neighborly aspect of the Law. We do
well to remember that our life has a matrix of relationships, and how we treat
others matters; not only to our neighbor, but to God. Thus when we enter God’s
presence we are reminded that we are there by God’s grace, and we are urged to
do what is right in regard to our neighbor because of the forgiveness we
cherish.
Life
A young man once asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit
eternal life?” (Mark 10:17) We sometimes
play a similar game acting as though our choices or deeds somehow make us
worthy to be with God. How might you use Psalm 15 to put that notion in check?
How might that help you experience God’s mercy more deeply?
Another mistake we sometimes make is acting as though
because our sins are forgiven how we treat our neighbor doesn’t matter. Paul
speaks of this as sinning, “that grace may abound,” and condemns the notion
(Rom. 6). What does Psalm 15 say to the way you live with those God has placed
in your life?
Prayer
Use Psalm 15 to lead you to confess your sins to God, remembering
that Jesus died and rose for you and has won forgiveness and salvation for you.
Pray that you might live your life in a way that shows that you have been
welcomed into God’s presence, and thank God that he has welcomed you through
faith in Jesus.
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