Choose Your Option - Psalms 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
This Psalm of David asks and answers a question. Who can go into the tabernacle of God? “The one whose walk is blameless”.
The “tabernacle” was a holy place where God dwelled before he made himself accessible to all through the salvation of Christ. David lists things that would make a man blameless, but there was far more than that to be done. Before Jesus came on the scene, there was chapter after chapter of procedures that a man had to go through to be allowed into the “Presence of God”. Detailed instructions for sacrifices, specific offerings, special clothing, all kinds of reparations for whatever sin a man had committed. Only then was he considered blameless. He had to atone for all his human frailties. (Read Leviticus 1-7 for more details of the process.)
Aren’t you glad that all you and I need do is to accept Jesus as our true savior? Blood sacrifices had to be done to wash away the sins of the priests before they could enter the tabernacle of God. Jesus’ blood washes away all our sins when he made the supreme sacrifice to cover our iniquities. Through our salvation, we have direct access to God the Father through his Son.
Jesus was talking to Thomas during what we call “The Last Supper”. Imagine how confused the disciples must have been. Maybe even scratching their heads. Our expression might be “Say what?” “I’m looking at you, but you are telling me I am seeing the Father?” Remember, they did not have the bible we have, they could not read ahead to see what happens next. But we do and we know!
Have you done that? Have you put your full heart and soul in the hands of Jesus? Most folks, churched or unchurched, have heard John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But what about 17 & 18? He didn’t send his Son for just some or only for certain people who were worthy. Because you see, we are ALL unworthy. The world is unworthy. No amount of sacrifice or offering or special clothing or ritual can save us and unite us with God, only the blood of Jesus can do that!
Jesus laid down his life that we have a pathway to God. We don’t have to sit in a special room or prepare our human bodies in any way. All we need do is lay bare our hearts and speak His holy name. And we are His forever!
Isn’t that awesome!! Doesn’t it give you goosebumps?
So, tell me… what would you like to do to be in the presence of God?
I myself am glad I chose option “B”! Make your choice today!
May you be saved through the sacrifice of Christ,
Cindy Lee Nonnemacher
Author
NOTE: Psalm 15 is taken from the NIV Bible, all other scripture is from the KJV.
The “tabernacle” was a holy place where God dwelled before he made himself accessible to all through the salvation of Christ. David lists things that would make a man blameless, but there was far more than that to be done. Before Jesus came on the scene, there was chapter after chapter of procedures that a man had to go through to be allowed into the “Presence of God”. Detailed instructions for sacrifices, specific offerings, special clothing, all kinds of reparations for whatever sin a man had committed. Only then was he considered blameless. He had to atone for all his human frailties. (Read Leviticus 1-7 for more details of the process.)
Aren’t you glad that all you and I need do is to accept Jesus as our true savior? Blood sacrifices had to be done to wash away the sins of the priests before they could enter the tabernacle of God. Jesus’ blood washes away all our sins when he made the supreme sacrifice to cover our iniquities. Through our salvation, we have direct access to God the Father through his Son.
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. John 14:6-7 (KJV)
Jesus was talking to Thomas during what we call “The Last Supper”. Imagine how confused the disciples must have been. Maybe even scratching their heads. Our expression might be “Say what?” “I’m looking at you, but you are telling me I am seeing the Father?” Remember, they did not have the bible we have, they could not read ahead to see what happens next. But we do and we know!
Have you done that? Have you put your full heart and soul in the hands of Jesus? Most folks, churched or unchurched, have heard John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But what about 17 & 18? He didn’t send his Son for just some or only for certain people who were worthy. Because you see, we are ALL unworthy. The world is unworthy. No amount of sacrifice or offering or special clothing or ritual can save us and unite us with God, only the blood of Jesus can do that!
- For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:17-18
- For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28
Jesus laid down his life that we have a pathway to God. We don’t have to sit in a special room or prepare our human bodies in any way. All we need do is lay bare our hearts and speak His holy name. And we are His forever!
- And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:28-30
Isn’t that awesome!! Doesn’t it give you goosebumps?
So, tell me… what would you like to do to be in the presence of God?
- Option A: Go through hours or even days of ritual for a few minutes in a room.
- Option B: Open your heart, accept Jesus as your savior and dwell with Him forever.
I myself am glad I chose option “B”! Make your choice today!
May you be saved through the sacrifice of Christ,
Cindy Lee Nonnemacher
Author
NOTE: Psalm 15 is taken from the NIV Bible, all other scripture is from the KJV.
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Cindy Lee, the author of Connecting the Light, publishes "Inspired Messages" every few weeks. Each of these messages provide insight and inspiration in a world gone a muck! Drawn from her own life and often reflecting current events, you will find these messages have a practical side when facing life in the real world.
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