Words of Comfort, Hope and JoyНамуна

In the times of the Old Testament, priests stood at the door of the Tabernacle and later at the Temple to check if a person was qualified to enter the worship place. For example, the priests would examine skin diseases and decide if the person was clean or unclean to enter the worship place (Leviticus 13:1—59). If found unclean, that person must wait until they are healed and re-examined before entering. The Law had a list of physical conditions that prohibited a person from entering the presence of the Lord. Some are obvious to others, and some, like bodily emissions, are known only to the individual. Therefore, a self-checklist was used to determine whether a person was eligible to worship at the shrine.

However, the priest had no authority over the morality of the worshipper. Psalm 15 complements the Old Testament Law codes—the moral criteria for entering the presence of the Lord. It all relates to the worshippers' personal integrity and social relationships. Although these criteria are not listed among the qualifications for the duty of temple priests, who act as gatekeepers, all these conditions are central to the scripture.

The initial condition is sincere and sacred speech. “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend” (Psalms 15:2-3, ESV).

Prophet Zechariah commanded the people of Israel that God requires them to speak the truth. “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace” (Zechariah 8:16, ESV). Followers of Christ have no excuse. As Paul exhorted, “Having put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25, ESV).

The second requirement relates to the proper use of the tongue. It should never be used to harm others. The Bible commands, "You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:16, ESV).

The third aspect concerns social relationships, rejecting evil and associating with righteousness. Those who aim to be in the presence of the Lord should not justify evil in society but uphold righteousness. They should despise the “vile person” and honor the godly individuals (Psalms 15:4).

Fourth is integrity. Those who seek the Lord's presence should remain truthful and stay true to their words, even if it causes them pain.

The final issue relates to the proper use of money. Lending money was the most common form of extortion. “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him” (Exodus 22:25, ESV). This prohibition has nothing to do with investments that generate profit. Viewed within the ancient economic context, it is a ban on exploiting those who are financially vulnerable.

According to its strict laws, the Bible teaches that God's presence should not be taken lightly. Holiness is both personal and social. Otherwise, the way we relate to God and to other members of our society is important as we seek God's presence.

Don’t settle for superficial devotion. Just as the priests examined for hidden uncleanness, let the Holy Spirit search your heart today. Before you enter into worship, pause—confess, reflect, and receive cleansing. Worship isn’t about perfection, but about purity of pursuit. Step in boldly, not because you’re flawless, but because you’re willing to be made clean.