Jesus is the perfect Paragon of excellence, the sinless Savior and Shepherd, the marvelous and majestic Author and Perfecter of our faith. As we look at Psalm 15, every quality the LORD, requires for dwelling in His sanctuary is found in Jesus.
Psalm 15:1 “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?”
Psalm 15:3 He “ has no slander on his tongue,”
[When you accuse or judge, Lord Jesus, it is correct, it is spoken to the right person with the right motive at the right time. There is no falsehood, no exaggeration, no twisting of truth. There is no malice, selfishness, evil motive or wrong desire when you speak. Instead you speak correctly to convict, to bring repentance, to restore and lead, giving light, love and healing.]
“who does his neighbor no wrong”
[You only do what is right, pure, helpful, good and positive. To live with you is to experience the light of your goodness, the power of your purity and the provision of your positiveness.]
“and casts no slur on his fellowman,”
[You never speak unjustly, you never maliciously cut people down, or try to put them in a bad light. In fact, as the good Shepherd, you will work to protect people rather than expose them to ridicule. You always first nudge us towards repentance before having someone come and confront us. As you are light and live in the light, so you shine the light on what is true, not to condemn people, but to bring them to repentance and restoration.]
Psalm 15:4 “who despises a vile man”
[You see all, nothing is hidden from you, so you know what is vile and rightly reject it. In righteousness you despise what is unrighteous, while somehow still loving every sinner and seeking to bring them into your Kingdom, into your Family, into your Forgiveness.]
“but honors those who fear the LORD,”
[You love what is right and good, and are able to discern what really motivates a man: fear of people or fear of God (Psalm 34:11-14). And you will give glory and honor to those who walk in your ways because they love you and trust you.]
“who keeps his oath even when it hurts,”
[You are the One who always keeps your Word—you kept your Word to provide a Savior who could only redeem through intense, infinite suffering, and you, Lord Jesus, followed through by submitting yourself to anguish, pain and an unjust punishment of death. Praise you for your faithfulness.]
Psalm 15:5 “who lends his money without usury”
[You are generous and good, pouring out your riches on us without thought of profit.]
“and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”
[You are absolutely just and do only what is right. No one can cause you to move against your children, who through Christ’s sacrifice are declared innocent in your sight. A bribe has no influence to change your mind to condemn the anyone. On the other hand, we believers can’t get you to change your mind with our “good works,” our fasting or self-denial; we can’t twist your cosmic arm, to “make” you answer our selfish prayers. Praise be to you for your unbending goodness and purity.
Lord, help us to live like you, to follow your example in each of these wonderful qualities and thereby bring honor to your name by showing your glory to all those around us.
