This week’s Song To Live By is Psalm 15

Andy writes:

What does it look like when God comes near? What is his presence like?

David, the Psalmist, the writer of this song had a longing for God; a hunger to be close to the Lord.

As a hebrew boy he was brought up on the stories from the Torah of when God came near to the people of Israel. He would of meditated much on the Lord’s appearances to Moses on the mountain of Sinai. Maybe he asked again and again for his dad to tell him the story of when the Lord filled the tabernacle in the desert with his glorious presence.

These stories showed clearly that God is not just spectacular, but he’s also sinless. That the Lord was not only a father to Israel, but also a consuming fire. That when his presence really comes; it’s not only a time for rejoicing, but also to respond in reverent fear.

David knew that we can’t just plonk ourselves into his presence. A holy God, and sinful people don’t mix. Yahweh requires a purity; an integrity; a copying of his character; an allegiance to his agenda. An unshakeable commitment to the covenant. God is holy, we must never forget it.

And yet, I wonder as David wrote this song, if he wasn’t all too aware that despite his best efforts he could never fulfill these requirements. I wonder whether, in these lyrics there’s a longing for a leader who will fulfill these requirements on our behalf.

Indeed I wonder whether this song is part of the warm up set… setting the tone for the appearance of the only truly righteous one. The one whose walk was completely blameless; who always did what was righteous; who continually spoke the truth from his heart. The one who even death could not shake.

Can I dwell in God’s sacred tent? Can I live on his holy mountain? If it’s down to me, then no way. But if I’m with him; then yes I will. I’m with Jesus, the one who will never be shaken.

A prayer

Lord, you are a holy God, an all consuming fire. Only those who walk in holiness can be with you. God, please would you forgive me my sins. Forgive me where I’ve not walked righteously; forgive me where I’ve lied; forgive me where I’ve mistreated others. Thank you for Jesus; thank you for the holy life that he lead, and the perfect death that he died. Through his perfection, I come into your presence now. Thank you God.