Who May Dwell on God’s Holy Hill?

Text: Psalm 15

Reflection and Question: Here is a quick checklist of the virtues needed to enter into the Temple on Mount Zion. Perhaps you are stopped short by the reference to those “who do not lend money at interest” and wonder, as I do, how our economy would run if there were no lending and borrowing at interest. I begin to realize how far from us most of these qualities are, and would despair if I did not have confidence in God’s unfailing love and in Jesus speaking for us at God’s right hand. This psalm gives me benchmarks to meet and grace saves me when I fail. Which of these virtues stops you short?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, have mercy on us when we fail to do what is right. Help us to speak truth from our hearts, and to refrain from slander and reproach against others. Teach us to fear You and to stand by our oaths, even to our hurt. Then may we abide in Your tent. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).