Related Articles
Table of Contents
Topic: Undeniable Access
[DCLM Daily Manna 3 January 2020 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: Psalm 15:1-5
1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Key Verse: “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1)
MESSAGE:
At the entrance to an Abbey in Yorkshire, there are three steps near the chancel door; one of the black marble-type of sin; one of the red marble-picture of the blood of Jesus; and one of white marble- indicating cleansing by the precious blood of Jesus. This implies the mandatory transformation that must take place in our life before we can be referred to as God’s children.
David in our text asked an important question about access to eternal dwelling place of God. Describing God’s abode as His tabernacle and a holy hill, he desired to know what will be required to get there. The answer came quickly: God requires evidence of complete transformation, righteousness in our deeds, uprightness in our works and speaking the truth in our hearts. Other requirements stated here are a firm control of the tongue to speak only wholesome and encouraging words, and upholding justice without oppression.
It becomes clear that access to God goes beyond mere church attendance and belonging to a Christian family. David himself was a king in Israel and a very talented musician in worship and praise. This did not guarantee him automatic access into God’s presence. We must be sure of our spiritual health since the essence of worship and service is to be with God in heaven at last. No earthly possession is a qualification to enter heaven.
Many people claim to be “born again” without corresponding evidence of righteousness and a change of life. We need heart transformation and transparent holiness to be admitted into God’s presence (Psalm 24:3-5). Clean hands and a pure heart guarantee answers to our prayers, grace to help at the hour of need and an assurance of making heaven at last. This is what God requires from us before we can have undeniable access to His abode.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Entering heaven is not for professors of religion but possessors of righteousness.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 14-16
