LENT LESSONS AND MEDITATION
                                               J.C.Cordova, D.Min., LCSW


    LORD, who may abide in your tent?
    Who may dwell on your holy hill?
    Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
     and speak the truth from their heart;
    who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends,
     nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
    in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD;
    who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
    who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
    Those who do these things shall never be moved.
                                                                             Psalm 15.

    Psalm 15 is a teaching poem. The big question here is: “Who may live in communion with God?” The answer of
    this sacred poets is: “Folks living up to God’s standards will live in communion with the Most High.”

    How do we know God’s standards? God’s normative system is contained in His Ten Commandments, which the
    writer has in mind as he reflects on how to answer his own question.

    To comply with God’s expectations, the psalmist gives a list of nine behaviors. First, he makes six categorical
    affirmations. Second, he gives five absolute prohibitions.

    Affirmations, 2, 4.
    1. Remain blameless
    2. Act justly
    3. Be truthful
    4. Uphold personal conviction at all cost
    5. Disapprove immoral behavior
    6. Honor true believers

    Abstentions, 3, 5.
    1. No smearing of others
    2. No wrong doing to friends
    3. No listening to gossip
    4. No practice of usury
    5. No false witnessing against others for profit

    The poet’s conclusion is that believers exhibiting such behavior will stand firm for the LORD.

    The poet’s proposal was later reflected in the teachings of Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-19. In
    this passage, Jesus spoke to his disciples in the presence of a large crowd. First, he spoke about the content of
    character (5:1-11). Second, he declared how to express character (5:13-14). Third, he made clear the importance
    of upholding the Commandments of God (5:17-19).

    Prayer: Dear heavenly father, in recognition of your blessings to us, we offer thanksgiving for life, liberty and
    opportunities. We have received from you much more than expected. As we are debtors, please help us to live
    according to your expectations expressed in this psalm and  the teachings of Jesus, our master.  Amen

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