Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart, and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong, and casts no slur on his fellow man, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord…
Psalm 15
The holy hill was the site of Jerusalem’s temple. As the people made their way up to the temple, the place where they worshipped God, they were preparing to meet with God. David reflects on who may dwell in God’s sanctuary and live in the Presence of God – one whose walk is blameless.
As the people ascended the mountain, perhaps it was a time when God was preparing their hearts to be with Him.
God has made a way for Christians to approach Him today through His Son, Jesus Christ. When we invite Him into our lives to dwell in us,
He brings His kingdom and begins a process of transformation in us. Our spiritual journey is much like climbing a mountain, as reflected in today’s Psalm. We accept Christ, and as we climb His mountain of transformation, we become more like Him. There was a high priest in the Old Testament who was the only one who could enter into the Most Holy Place. He did this once a year to offer sacrifices (atonement) for their sins. Jesus is our High Priest who has gone through the heavens to prepare an entrance into God’s Presence: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Jesus, our High Priest, went before us on the holy hill where He died for our sins so that we might be able to approach God. Sinful man could not approach a holy God, and through His atonement on the cross, He made a way for us to approach a holy God. When He was lifted up on the cross at Calvary, He took our sin with Him and we can now approach the throne of grace with confidence.
The Lord is calling you to the mountain of holiness. His desire is for you to draw near to Him and to be holy as He is holy: Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous. (v.1)
Heavenly Father, As I climb the mountain of holiness, help me to lead a blameless, righteous life. Keep me from slander and from being deceitful. Convict me of sin so that I might become more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
