Keep the Balance

Psalm 26:11 (KJV) But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

This entire Psalm is a statement by David of his faithfulness and walk of integrity.  I wonder if Paul ever read this verse and what kind of spiritual gymnastics he needed to get through it.  The focus is not on the law but on a life of obedience.

Don’t fall into the trap of ignoring the place of faith and grace.  Those words do not appear but the need for them is found in this plea to be redeemed.  It is clear that David is not saying, “You need me on your team.”  He is saying, “It is still all up to you, Lord.”  And that is the truth.  It is the right balance.

So?  Righteous living is not a choice, it is a demand.  God’s grace is not plan B.  It is the only plan.  Spread your arms wide and embrace them both.  

Worship Proliferation

(Psa 26:8 KJV)  LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

Originally, in scripture you have the Garden of Eden identified as the place where God met humanity.  After the expulsion, there was more evidence of meeting God wherever you were.  Then we come to the law, and the tabernacle and later of the temple.  During these time periods, the emphasis on meeting God was in coming to the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided.  I think that is what David has in mind as he is sharing here.  As I was looking into the different temples, one of the commentators said that the only temple that does not have a statement about the glory of God filling it was the one built by Nehemiah and Ezra.  That doesn’t mean God wasn’t there, but the others have a specific reference to God‘s glory.

Since I was meeting God in my bedroom, Israel is the other side of the world and there is no temple, my mind started wondering why I can meet with God here?  And my mind went back to where Jesus said that He had to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come to us and how on Pentecost He came in power.

So?  We can meet with God just about anywhere.  His glory in a sense now resides in us and not a building.  Rejoice and worship. 

God’s House

Psalm 26:8 (KJV) LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

I think we can assume that David is talking about the tabernacle here when he mentions God‘s house.  I wonder if there is a relation between the word “habitation” (4583), and the word having to do with abide.  This tells us that being in God’s house on a regular basis should be a joy.

Obviously, this is not written to us today specifically.  It was written in the days of ancient Israel. And yet the principal is the same.  For us today we would think of our church as God’s house.  It’s not the same as the tabernacle or temple.  We do not have an altar with sacrifices made or different courts in which different people can come into.  We do not have eternal flames, and all the other accoutrements of the Jewish worship . But it is still considered and thought of as God’s house.

So?  Make it a habit to be there.  Make it a special place.  Use the atmosphere as a help for focusing on God and worshiping Him.  I love abiding in a building set apart specifically for his worship.