Bible Reading: Genesis 15 | Matthew 15 | Psalm 15
Devotional for January 21, 2025
Reading: Genesis 15 | Matthew 15 | Psalm 15
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Genesis 15
Genesis 15 is divided into two sections. The first section is about Abram's concern regarding being childless. In chapter twelve, God promised he would be a great nation, but he remains childless. In this section, God reiterates what he told him and promises that his seed would be like heaven's stars and the seashore's sands. God promised. Abram believed, and it was credited to him for righteousness. 15:6 is quoted four times in the New Testament (Rom. 4:3, 22; Gal. 3:6; Jas. 2:23). It is a verse that speaks to the doctrine of justification by faith alone (Latin, Sola Fide). Abram believed God with simple faith and trust in God's promises. It is important to note that Abram believed God before he did anything – especially before he obeyed the words of Jehovah in chapter twenty-two. The doctrine of justification is the "article upon which the church stands or falls" (Luther). It is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone." (WSC Q33).
The second section (15:7-21) is the ratification of the promise made to Abram through covenant. This section notes the future statement regarding the enslavement of God's people in Egypt (15:13).
Applications:
Man cannot earn God's favor. Abram didn't. He trusted God and it was counted to him as righteousness. Man is justified by faith alone. See WSC 33.
God's promises can never fail. Sometimes, you think he is not fulfilling what he promised you, but that can never happen.
Matthew 15
Matthew 15 continues the work of the Savior coupled with his teachings. In this chapter, Jesus heals the Canaanite woman and feeds the five thousand. The focus for today is on 15:1-20. The issue of defilement is before the Savior after the Pharisees, and scribes accuse him and his disciples. Jesus rebukes them because they say the right things but do not honor God with their heart. There are many in the church, like those men. They say what is right. They know many things. However, their hearts are far from the Lord. Jesus points out that it is not what comes from outside that defiles a person, but only that which comes from within the sin-filled heart of man. Therefore, it is vital to guard your heart with all diligence because from it comes all the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). What things do you allow your mind to dwell on, your eyes to watch? These things will affect your heart, and they will impact your behavior. The apostle Paul tells us to meditate on pure and right things (Phil. 4:8).
Applications:
Guarding your heart from the effects of this fallen world is vital to a healthy walk with Christ. See Prov. 4:23
Guarding your heart begins with guarding your mind, eyes, and ears. What you put into your mind through the gate of your eyes and ears will affect your heart. See Phil. 4:8.
Psalm 15
Psalm 15 is an "entrance Psalm." It is a Psalm highlighting how one can be in God's presence. The opening verse gives us that theme, and these requirements should mark the Christian.
15:1
Two questions are presented in the opening verse that highlight one singular issue: how can sinful man ever dwell in the presence of a holy God? A reference to a tent and a holy hill illustrates the theme. The tent is a reference to the Tabernacle. The holy hill refers to the mountain of God's dwelling (E.g., Ex. 19). Both highlight God's presence, and not everyone could be there.
15:2-5
Eleven items in this section characterize the one who can dwell with God. Not every item will be highlighted in this devotional, but should be considered. A few summary thoughts:
Walking blamelessly – That is not a reference to sinless perfection. It refers to one who does what is right according to the standards of God's moral law. There are times when doing what is right is difficult. However, the child of God does it because that is what is expected of a holy God.
Righteously using the tongue – A child of God does not slander others. He doesn't use his tongue to advance falsehood about a brother or sister. He guards his lips because he knows a genuinely religious person bridles his tongue (See Jas. 3:1-12). Sometimes, the tongue needs to be used for correction and rebuke. That is very different than slander. Slander only seeks to destroy. Correction and rebuke are done in love for the edification and growth of the other person.
Keeping your word – A righteous person does what they say they will do unless some act of God's providence prevents them. A righteous person does it to his hurt, if necessary. There may be times when we make a promise to someone and then, later, regret making it for one reason or another. A righteous person will do what they promised. We live in a world where a man's word is not his bond. He says one thing and does another. He makes vows and does not honor them. That is inconsistent with one who says they are a Christian.
15:6
He who does the things in this Psalm shall never be moved because they are in the presence of the God of creation, who guards the righteous and opposes the proud.
Considering this list, we recognize that the answer to the questions in 15:1 can't be sinners. We fall short of the things on this list. The only one who can say they can sojourn and dwell with the God of heaven is the Lord Jesus Christ. He did all these things perfectly in thought, word, and deed. He kept his word to the end, although it was very hard. He did not slander his neighbor. He walked blamelessly and perfectly before his Father. Therefore, we must trust his labors and not ours. Yet, as followers of Christ, we must pursue these things.
Consider each item in this Psalm and spend a few minutes meditating on them as you reflect on the work of Christ and your work as a follower of Christ.
Which one of these items needs your heartfelt attention? Pray through them and ask the Lord to strengthen and help you.