Send to Kindleby Robin McKinley
In 5 verses, King David, the author of Psalm 15, laid out how to enter into the presence of the Almighty. He began the first verse by asking a couple of questions.
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Psalm 15:1
Then, he answered his question in the remaining four verses. This short Psalm is easy to skim right through it quickly. We, however, aren’t going to do that.
Because David showed us in 4 short verses what it takes to enter into the presence of Almighty God, each of these verses in the NLT begins with the words, “Those who…”
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:2
The Message Bible in verse 2 comes straight out with what the writer was saying.
Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Psalm 15:2 (MSG)
I realize that some passages of scripture need an interpretation. The verses in this Psalm speak very plainly and need no interpretation.
Remember, David asked, “Who may enter your presence?” In verse two, he said, stay out of trouble, do what is right, and don’t lie.
You may think it is almost impossible to continually do those things. And you’re right! And God knows that, so He has made a way to help you.
When you find yourself violating one or all of them, turn to God and ask His forgiveness with a sincere heart. The closer you walk with the Lord, the less you will need to ask His forgiveness.
David’s questions; Who may worship in His sanctuary and who may enter His presence: Verse 3 also warns us to watch what we say.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalm 15:3
Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; Psalm 15:3 (MSG)
As a child, I remember other kids repeating the following phrase. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It didn’t take long until I realized how wrong that statement was. Verse 4 continues to answer the questions with the following;
Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Psalm 15:4
Despise the despicable. Psalm 15:4 (MSG)
David plainly says to enter into the Lord’s presence, we must honor the Lord’s faithful followers. In other words, don’t side with flagrant sinners but despise them.
He’s saying don’t get around those who outwardly and actively live in sin. Even though we try to do what is right, sin has a way of influencing us.
His final answer to these questions: Who may worship in the Lord’s sanctuary and who may enter into His presence? Deal with the subject of money.
Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:5
“Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. Psalm 15:5 (MSG)
I want to make sure that we are clear one thing, Jesus is the only way to heaven. The things written in Psalm 15 help us to maintain our daily walk with the Lord.
This writing is the only time I’ve entered all the scripture texts in two different versions of the Bible. The Message made most of the verses plain to understand.
David ended this Psalm with; Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:5
The MSG says, “You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.” Psalm 15:5 which is the only line I don’t care for in this chapter. Why?
Because God doesn’t have a blacklist, He only has one list, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
About the Author:
Robin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.
Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”. He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.
These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.
Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.
