Gems from the Psalms – Day 10

David is asking God who may have access to his presence and enter into fellowship with him on his holy mountain.

Mountains, by their very grandeur, fascinate us all. They dominate the skyline and have us looking heavenwards. In the Bible, it was often the place where God and his chosen messengers met.

It was on Mount Sinai that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

It was on a high mountain too, that Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of Moses and Elijah.

Mount Zion is described as God’s holy mountain in the Bible. Mount Zion was the citadel of Jerusalem, captured by King David. David took up his residence there making it his capital city. Later, he would move the Ark there and house it in a tent where people went to worship God. Mount Zion was greatly revered. It was the place of worship where pilgrims from all over the land met with God.

The Bible describes the place that Mount Zion held in the hearts of the believers so beautifully: Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise in the city of our God. His holy mountain is fair and lofty, the joy of the whole earth. The mountain of Zion, the far recesses of the north, is the city of the great King. (Psalm 48:1-2)

In Psalm 15, David sets out what he believes God requires from those who want to worship him – a blameless life, righteousness, sincerity and honesty when dealing with others.

It is a wonderful code of conduct to which to aspire. Unfortunately, try as we might, not one of us is capable of achieving it. That is the terrifying truth.

Praise God for our Lord Jesus Christ. Though we are very undeserving, he laid down his life on the cross for us. No matter what we may be guilty of, if we are truly contrite and seek his grace, we will be forgiven and pardoned. Only then, do we experience God’s unconditional love and enter into fellowship with him.