December 22ndPsalm 15
We shall not be moved
Archaeologists have uncovered numerous ritual baths carved into the limestone steps at the southern end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. One of the most important preparations for entering the holy presence of God was first to remove all ritual impurities by immersing oneself in one of these ritual baths; the unclean emerges clean. Then, fresh from the cleansing bath, the worshippers were confronted by the words of Psalm 15, a kind of entrance liturgy. It was not enough to wash the outside. True worship requires a life of commitment that continues when worshippers leave the Temple as well.
Who are we and what should we be as we come into the presence of God? The question is a serious one for the gathered congregation. We remember that Psalm 1 began with counsel that people cannot separate prayer and praise from a life lived in accordance with Torah, God’s commands. Psalm 15 reminds us of that point, in case the reader has forgotten! The psalm should prevent us from ever entering the presence of God routinely or casually.
Vs. 1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
This verse suggests that no one can deserve to live in God’s presence. Rather, persons dwell with God only because of God’s gracious permission (see Psalm 5.7).
Verses. 2-5 are not commandments, rather they portray the character of persons whose lives have been shaped in conformity with God’s character.
Vs. 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
This does not mean that we are sinless but that our lives are oriented to and dependent upon God. The word blameless essentially means to ‘be complete.’ It is also sometimes translated as having integrity. This is similar to what Jesus told disciples when he indicated that to live ‘blamelessly’ is to be ‘pure in heart’ (Matthew 5.8).
Having given us a general instruction on character, the psalmist provides several examples of virtuous behaviour.
Vs. 3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
Virtue and the neighbourhood: don’t gossip or slander your neighbours, and act justly towards all.
Vs. 4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Virtue and the faith community: honour those who love God and avoid the practices of those who love sin. Be willing to sacrifice and sometimes to suffer for the right.
Vs. 5a Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Virtue and the world: keep your promises and act with integrity in financial matters.
Vs. 5b Those who do these things will never be moved.
This concluding assurance does not mean that people of such integrity will suffer no hardship. Rather, it affirms that even in the worst of circumstances, the righteous will have in God’s presence and power a resource to sustain their lives. Those who trust God will always have a solid foundation for facing the world; they shall not be moved!
Neither does this psalm imply that we perfectly succeed at living these virtues. But the psalm asks us who we want to be and whether or not we come to worship hoping to become such people. For Christians, we come in the confidence knowing God has made Jesus Christ to be our righteousness. We come confidently, humbly, gratefully for such a God who accompanies us.
Sometime around 390 AD, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan had a confrontation with Emperor Theodosius. The Emperor, angry at a riot which killed the commandant of the city, took action. He proclaimed that the riot had been forgiven and the rioters should gather to receive an imperial pardon. When they did so, he unleashed his soldiers on the crowd killing some 7,000 persons.
Upon learning of these events, Ambrose resolved to demand clear signs of repentance from the emperor. When the emperor came to church, Ambrose met him at the door, raised his hand, and ordered him to ‘Stop! A man such as you, stained with sin, whose hands are bathed in blood of injustice, is unworthy, until he repents, to enter this holy place and partake of communion.’
Some of the emperor’s advisors threatened violence, but the emperor acknowledged the truth in Ambrose’s words and made a public apology.
Interestingly, their relations grew closer after that incident. When the emperor was dying he called to his side the one man who had dared to censure him in public. *
*Justo L. Gonzalez – The Story of Christianity, Vol.1, 193.
There is an old African-American spiritual – ‘I shall not be moved’ that expresses well the hope embedded in this psalm prayer.