O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart…” vss. 1-2
Psalm 15
According to this worship liturgy, there were strict standards for entry into the temple sanctuary on the hill of Zion in Jerusalem. Any who presumed to enter the house of the Lord had better be sure that they had their ducks in a row, that their lives were in order. Presumably, a priest asked the questions, and the people responded with a brief litany of what was expected. Congregations have developed similar standards as they reopened for worship in these last months. Who may enter for worship? Those who wear masks and maintain social distancing, and who have been properly vaccinated. And people have pretty much complied–we’ve seen that this is the prudent thing to do to avoid contagion. But just imagine if we posted signs saying, “Entry restricted to those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from the heart.” Most folks would turn on their heels and walk away. That’s simply not an appropriate message for congregations that proclaim the gospel of grace. The churches of Christ are not exclusive clubs for the perfect–we’re hospitals for sinners! We come with our imperfections to hear a word of mercy and forgiveness and to love one another in our weakness. It’s as we leave and go into the world that we take the psalmist’s words to heart. It’s here that we will walk blamelessly and speak the truth from our hearts.
Thought for the Day: What happens in a hospital for sinners?
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