Day 769: Fit for God's company - Psalm 15 (A psalm of David)

1 O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 3 who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honours those who fear the Lord; 5 who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15 From the English Standard Version

This short Psalm opens with an important question which the writer himself then goes on to answer. The question asked what sort of person is suitable for God's company. The word 'sojourn' (in vs 1) implies a visit, while the word 'dwell' speaks of something more permanent. In David's day God's presence was linked to the tent tabernacle on the mount where Jerusalem was situated. What was expected then of those who wanted to worship God and enjoy fellowship with Him according to vs 2?

In one sense it sums up the whole answer, but it is developed in vs 3-5. A man or woman who wants God's company needs to be blameless, and someone who constantly does what is right! They must have hearts where truth is prized and every word they speak is trustworthy. Can any of us measure up to that? And because truth is precious to them, vs 3 says they will never spread lies about others or do any evil thing to their neighbours or friends. What does vs 4 tell us about the sort of friends they choose?

They seek the company of other God fearing people. They reject relationships with those who love what is vile. The Hebrew word there implies people ‘whom God Himself rejects’. This would include not looking up to celebrities as role models. So many who get the headlines are people who have no time for God or for all that He has revealed in the Bible. What does vs 5 tell us about the people who God welcomes?

They are people who keep their word even when it will be an inconvenience or a hardship. They don't make false promises. They are totally honest in business. They are not greedy and don't take advantage of vulnerable people. And they are beyond all bribery. They would never give false testimony against an innocent person no matter how much you paid them. This should make us ask how important is money to us, and what corners would we cut to get more of it?

Now if you, like me, have been blessed with Godly teaching since you were young, you may feel you could tick some of the boxes above. I like to think that I would never take a bribe or defraud anyone. I also try not to pass on gossip, and certainly don't crave the companionship of movie stars or pop stars! Yet even in these 'easy' areas I know I've come short. But it's vs 2 that really shows me my need of something more if I'm ever to stand in God's presence. To walk blamelessly and always do what is right is beyond me. To have a heart that is true at all times and in all things is a tall order. How then should we apply this Psalm?

I suggest that it points us in the direction we must go if we want to experience God's blessing in our life. Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters - for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) And what he said of money is true of other worldly things as well. God and His word must be first in our heart.

But it also shows us our need of forgiveness for all the times and ways in which we've failed to meet these requirements for fellowship with God. We need the sacrifice that the One who was totally blameless made for sinners. It's only through Jesus Christ that we can ever be made truly fit for God's company.