Have you ever been in a building that commands silence without anyone telling you? A few years ago my wife and I toured a holocaust museum in Germany in which there was utter silence. The gravity of what was revealed in that building prevented anyone from saying a word.
Moses was instructed to build the tabernacle, a tent in which God would meet with His people in a special way. When God’s glory filled it, what was being revealed in that space prevented Moses or anyone else from even being able to enter it, let alone speak inside.
Likewise, the temple was a permanent structure created to accomplish the same purpose. And similarly, the space where God met with His people (the high priest) was the innermost portion of the structure—the Holy of Holies. It was sealed off by a curtain and inside was the ark of the covenant. Atop the ark was the mercy seat, which served as the specific place on which God descended to meet the singular individual permitted inside. Above the mercy seat were heavenly beings, the cherubim, whose outstretched wings protected the mercy seat. In addition to being divinely guarded, the high priest was limited to entering that space to one time per year. A violation of the instructions was a death sentence.
It is in regard to this that David authored Psalm 15. In the first of the five-verse psalm he poses the question, “O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?” He wants to know who can spend time in the presence of the Almighty God. Who is able to approach the King of Glory?
In the remaining four verses he answers the question.
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD;
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 15:2-5)
This is an interesting list—one who speaks truth, does not slander, is not a hater but honors the Lord, that is sacrificial, and is honest and helpful in his financial dealings. This list is not, of course, comprehensive. It isn’t a checklist that results in an admission ticket to the presence of God. No, it is the fruit of a righteous life.
Notice that the fruit touches on areas that are as difficult to control today as they were in the time of King David. How difficult is it for you to control your tongue? To consistently keep your word? To be willing to inconvenience yourself for the benefit of others? To manage your money wisely while giving generously to those in need. What’s more, it addresses your motives, such as “the “truth in your heart” and honoring and fearing God. None of us is worthy to be in the presence of a holy God and none of us is capable of producing this kind of fruit without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
As you spend time in prayer consider first, the great privilege you have been granted to be in the presence of the holy King of Creation. The Son and the Holy Spirit have given you the grace needed to enter God’s presence. Second, bear fruit in keeping with repentance. There should be consistent improvement in each of the Psalm 15 areas as you grow in faith and progress in your sanctification. When you reflect on your past, are you able to mark positive changes in your life regarding your heart, tongue, commitments and finances? Third, ask God to transform you into the person that walks blamelessly, does what is right and speaks truth in your heart. Be the Christian that can justly dwell on God’s holy hill.