Am I Worthy Enough To Dwell In The Lord’s Sacred Tent?
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Acts 10:1-23 and Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)
(Shaun Tan from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 15:1-5 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
David starts off with two similar (and repetitive) questions asking, “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” (v1) It seems like a deceptively simple question, till I read the verses that follow.
David lists down characteristics of a truly righteous person – someone who can dwell in God’s sacred tent, or perhaps simply, come before God. As the psalm goes on, David also lists down examples of what being a blameless and righteous person looks like. In (v2-3), we see the ideal character among his friends and neighbours, his character among difficult people (v4-5) and the blessings that will come out from this character (v5).
APPLY:
As much as it is almost impossible to be the person that David has described, it is a character that I strive to be – as it will be pleasing to God. As I reflected, it made me realize how far off I am from who God wants me to be.
Now that I have spent a few years in the marketplace, I realise that it is easy to conform to the ways of the world. It is not easy to have a “tongue (that) utters no slander” (v3). It also made me think hard if it will be easy to “keep an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind” (v4) This is especially so, when my back is pushed against the wall and self-preservation kicks in.
DO:
Knowing that I fall short of the standards that God has called me to be, it will be important to be kept surrounded by people who can hold me accountable.
I am thankful that I have a ‘321’ accountability group, Small Group, as well as my wonderful wife whom I can be honest, vulnerable and intentional with. I will continue to rely on them as my anchors who will continue to call me out, encourage and point me towards being a disciple that is pleasing to God.
PRAY:
Father Lord, just like David, I pray that I will be able to dwell in Your sacred tent and live on Your holy mountain. Even as I continue to be a part of this world, may I strive to live a life that echoes Your Son’s life, so that the world may have a glimpse as to what it means to dwell with You, Amen.
