Psalm 15 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Verse 2Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
Verse 3who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
Verse 4in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
Verse 5who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.
Devotion
In speaking of the Lord’s “tent,”, this psalm recalls the place where God was seen to dwell during God’s people of old’s wandering in the wilderness. The “holy hill” which it names would refer to the temple on Mount Zion, which replaced the tabernacle as the place where God was seen to dwell. In asking the question, “Who may dwell there?” the psalmist is asking “Who may dwell where God dwells?” or “Who will be near to God?”
The answer is in how one conducts his or her life. It is the one who does what is right, who stands up for justice, who has concern for the neighbor. At a time when Artificial Intelligence is beginning to alter the foundations of what it is to be human, the answer to the search for a good life may be found in an ancient source and in spiritual wisdom. It can be found in a life which is shaped by a God who loves integrity, honesty, and compassion.
Prayer
O God, beyond our praising, it is a joy to enter the temples which we have built to worship you. Make us ever mindful that you dwell not only there, but also in the graceful ways your wisdom has taught us how to live and was embodied in your Son. Help us to walk with integrity, honesty, and compassion. Amen.
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