This psalm explains who is worthy to be a “guest” of the Lord. The psalmist delineated the flawless character of one who is fit to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary. David pondered the matter of who may dwell in the Lord’s sanctuary located on the holy hill, that is, Zion, the City of David. The question is concerned with who was eligible to be a “guest” of the Lord and live in the place where His presence rested. It was a spiritual question: who can draw near to God and worship in His dwelling place?
The question in verse 1 is answered in summary fashion first with two descriptions, and then delineated with an additional eight. The acceptable person is one whose walk is (a) blameless. Also his actions are (b) righteous. The metaphor of the “walk” is used throughout the Bible for one’s pattern of life and conduct. “Blameless” means complete, sincere, or perfect. A blameless person lives in obedience to God and maintains a life of integrity.
His activities are in harmony with God’s standards, that is, they are righteous. David thus declared that if someone were to go into the presence of the Lord in Zion, he must be an obedient and righteous servant. The wicked and the hypocritical did not belong in the sanctuary.
After the general statement in the first two lines of verse 2, David spelled out what such a flawless person’s character is like.(1) The first characteristic of the righteous is that he speaks... truth sincerely. He is not like double-minded flatterers. (2) A righteous person does not slander maliciously.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
It's early Sunday morning and I am praying that God will draw people to COV this morning to be in worship - to be under the teaching/preaching of the Word of God. I am praying that God will draw people to be in fellowship. I am praying that spiritual discipline will win over the desire to sleep in or watch football or go to Starbucks.
I am praying that hearts will be changed.
I read this passage today, and I am praying that God will be gracious to each of our people and inspire them to live lives that are worthy.
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called--
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I am praying that each of us at COV would live out our faith in real and practical ways. That our speech and conduct would verify we are His. That we would/could win people to Christ because they see a difference in us.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
I am praying I will could/would set the example. Lord, purify my heart - purify my speech - purify my actions today.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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