WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
- Key Verse
- "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 does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts . . . He who does these things will never be shaken." (Psalm 15)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Obedience is essential if we want to find ourselves living under God's protection and blessing.
Reflections
I thought it was interesting that God chose David to deliver this set of truths. David violated them all when he had Bathsheba's first husband, Uriah, murdered in battle (along with other innocent soldiers), so that Bathsheba could become his own wife (2 Samuel 11). Then David was "shaken," and there was incredible devastation in his life as a result. David's sins of adultery and murder seem to have had a profoundly negative impact on the children born to him later. Everyone knew what he had done. His sons learned of his selfishness and disregard for God's instruction. Later, David was passive in response to injustice and evil within his own family. David's son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar (David's daughter); another son, Absalom, killed Amnon, then tried to take the throne from his father by force. David's children followed the example he set at his worst moments, and when he saw their actions, he did nothing.Are there times my children see my attitudes or actions contradicting my claim to follow Jesus? I know that there are. What about the way I present myself to my acquaintances, co-workers, and friends? I know at times I miss the mark here as well. I fear the outcome that I don't take time to envision at the moment I fail.
The good news is that David didn't stay outside of God's protection, and we don't have to, either. Because of David's love for God, and his return to obedience, he was granted an extraordinary eternal legacy. But could it have been better?
Psalm 15 isn't a list of things we must do to earn God's favor. They are things that He tells us will put us (and those we love) in a position to enjoy the "sanctuary" He intends for us. Ephesians 2:7-9 says that our salvation is solely by grace, and in no way by our efforts. So we can be sure that, like David, God will not abandon us when we fail. He wants the best for us and gives us instruction on how to be in the right place to receive it.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you dwelling in God's protective sanctuary?2. Are there actions, or words you speak, that you really don't want to be the example you set for your family and friends?
3. Do you keep your word even when it's inconvenient or painful?
4. Are you failing in any of these areas, and have you thought through how this failure could impact those you love?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Chip Smith
January 21, 2010 05:53 AM
Good morning Doug: Ouch! This is a convicting but good log this morning. As you went over David's sin and the consequences, I couldn't help but think of times when I have, like you, not envisioned the outcome of my sin at the moment I fail. I'm not talking about adultery and murder, but unkind words and a passive attitude. You hit home today and I thank you for that. I want the Holy Spirit to help me see the outcome with a healthy fear not at the moment of failure, but at the moment before, so that I can avoid your question at the end, "But could it of been better?"
David Skeen
January 21, 2010 08:47 AM
"Vileness is exalted among the children of man" (Psalm 12:8 ESV); but the righteous man despises a vile person and honors those who fear God (Psalm 15:4). If we do this, we will be out of sync with our culture, but in sync with God. Thanks for the challenging devotional.
Scott
January 21, 2010 10:38 AM
Thanks for the challenging devo, Doug! God reminds me of this topic every so often and you've provided him with some valuable supporting evidence! God bless.
Lisa Rutledge
January 21, 2010 10:40 AM
Wow, I'm challenged by this devotion to do a reality check on my actions (or lack thereof) and communicate more with my loved ones regarding my own poor choices. Thanks for putting into perspective this excellent application to consider soberly the legacy we leave daily.
Kathy
January 21, 2010 02:24 PM
Doug, great job on this. It's a topic we tend to shy away from. It seems that it is popular today to talk about the "Legacy's" being left by the famous, however the Legacy we should be concerned with is our own. Do we focus on the ones of others to avoid thinking about our own? As your wife, let me reassure you that although none of us are perfect, you are indeed leaving a great legacy for your family to follow.Thank you for being our family's spiritual leader.
David Redding
January 21, 2010 04:45 PM
Doug, your first discussion question really challenged me. I don't believe I live in the protective sanctuary that God has provided just for me. Why not? Sure seems silly that I don't choose to live there more often. Thanks for making me stop and think. And what a cool comment from your wife! Wow, as a man, doesn't get any better than that! Rock on.
Cindy
January 22, 2010 08:23 AM
Praise God. He loves us. That is so evident. If we do good(in humility)we win. If we do bad(and confess),with some consequences, we win. I too have sins against my child, but with prayer and supplication he hears us. Praise the holy name of Jesus, that God doesn't leave us to ourselves. We are not alone because of His love. Amen. Great devotional Doug.