Scripture: “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” – (15:2)
Observation: In the previous chapter, David described the unrighteous individual. In this one, he lists characteristics that are applicable to the opposite – one who is righteous. He states in the first verse of this chapter that it is the one who “walketh uprightly” that shall abide in the tabernacle of the Lord.
Application: Most people have heard of the 10 Commandments. These were ten laws that God gave to Moses to teach the people what they needed to do to “abide” with the Lord. Today, it is highly unlikely that the majority of individuals could list those commandments, much less follow them. Truth be told, the world actually declares that doing the exact opposite is better.
| God’s Word – Exodus 20 | World Philosophy |
| 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (3) | 1. Worship celebrities, athletes, false gods, even yourself. |
| 2. Thou shalt not make… any graven image. (4) | 2. Worship money, fame, power (modern day idols) |
| 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain. (7) | 3. Using the Lord’s name is commonplace: media, books, conversations, etc. |
| 4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (8) | 4. Church attendance is not valued. |
| 5. Honor thy father and mother. (12) | 5. Children have their own rights outside of parental control. Obedience is not warranted. |
| 6. Thou shalt not kill. (13) | 6. Violence is accepted and even applauded. |
| 7. Thou shalt not comment adultery. (14) | 7. Marriage is not sacred; monogamy is not honored; affairs are sensationalized in the media. |
| 8. Thou shalt not steal. (15) | 8. If you want it, take it. |
| 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (16) | 9. Truth is relative; there is no absolute truth. |
| 10. Thou shalt not covet…(17) | 10. It’s important to “keep up with the Joneses” at all costs. |
Regardless of what we say or do, we can never be righteous in the eyes of God. It is only through the salvation that Jesus Christ offers that we become clothed in His righteousness and thereby acceptable to God. Philippians 3:9 states, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
We cannot do the impossible, which would be to redeem ourselves, but God made a way through His Son because He loves us with an everlasting love!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, how amazing that You would love such sinful people as we all are. We have ignored Your Word and exchanged Your truth for a lie. Help us, O God, to see the error of our ways, turn to Jesus for salvation and become new creations in Him. Thank You for Your longsuffering and your unwillingness that any should perish. Your forgiveness knows no bounds, and Your love is never-ending. How great Thou art! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!
Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call,
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!
Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
(from “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” by Edward Perronet)
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“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2