ODJ: privileged

April 15, 2015 

READ: Psalm 15:1-5 

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? (v.1).

I joined the line inside the bank and waited to talk with the clerk. Within minutes it was my turn and the clerk asked if I was a “privileged customer” of the bank. It dawned on me at that moment that I was in the wrong line. Soon I was standing at the back of a long line of regular customers. I simply lacked the credentials to get priority service.

What ‘credentials’ has God provided for us? The psalmist wrote, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). According to David, only the blameless and the righteous are qualified to come into God’s presence. The righteousness given to us by Christ enables us to worship our great God well!

David wrote that “those who are not holy will not see the LORD” (Hebrews 12:14). So he described what holy people look like in their works and words: godly people do what is right and speak truthfully and honestly (Psalm 15:2). They are sincere, open and transparent. Righteous people don’t slander, discredit or harm neighbours or friends (v.3). They also honour those who fear God, and they keep their promises even if it isn’t advantageous for them to do so (v.4). Not taking advantage of others, godly people act justly and fairly. And they are not only qualified but also privileged to stand before God, to worship Him and to enjoy fellowship in His presence forever! (v.5). We can’t do any of these things on our own—God alone by the work of the Holy Spirit provides what we need to radiate His ways and grace.

You may not experience every privilege on earth, but in Christ we experience the joy and privilege of being made holy in God’s sight!

—K.T. Sim

365-day-plan: 1 Kings 6:1-38

MORE
According to Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:12-13 and Hebrews 4:14-16, what qualifies us to enjoy the privilege of coming into God’s holy presence? 
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Of the various descriptions of the godly worshipper (Psalm 15:2-5), what characteristics describe you best? How can you live a more holy life in Jesus?