The Question That Haunts Us
Monday · Anchor: Ps.15.1· preview (not yet released by the daily cron)
From the sermon Unmovable
David opens Psalm 15 with two questions that feel almost dangerous: *Who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?* These aren't rhetorical flourishes. They're the kind of questions that stop you in your tracks if you let them.
We live in a world that loves to grade on a curve. We compare ourselves to others and feel pretty good about where we land. But David isn't asking, 'Who's better than average?' He's asking, 'Who can stand in the presence of a holy God?'
The tent and the temple — both were places where God's presence dwelt among His people. And the question isn't about geography or architecture. It's about proximity to holiness. It's about who gets to be near God.
Most of us, if we're honest, would rather not think too hard about this. We'd rather focus on God's love, His grace, His kindness — all true, all beautiful. But the question remains: on what basis do we approach Him?
David knew something we often forget: God's presence is not casual. It's not a place we wander into by accident or good intentions. The tent was guarded. The temple had courts and veils and restrictions. Proximity to God has always required something.
So sit with the question today. Don't rush to the answer. Let it do its work in you. *Who shall dwell on your holy hill?* Not 'Who should try harder?' but 'Who is qualified?' The question itself is a gift — it shows us we need something outside ourselves.
Pause and consider
When you imagine standing before God, what do you feel? What does that reveal about where you're placing your confidence?
Prayer
Father, I confess that I often avoid the hard questions. I want to feel close to You without considering what that closeness requires. Teach me to see my need clearly, so I can see Your provision even more clearly. Amen.