I Chronicles 6 reminds us that, in Old Testament times, the tribe of Levi was set apart for the service of the Lord. The priests, all of whom were descendants of Aaron, were responsible for offering up sacrifices on the altar (I Chronicles 6:49). Other members of the tribe of Levi conducted the music ministry of the Temple (I Chronicles 6:31-32). And it is still easy for us to think that the worship and service of God should be left to professionals. We might even come to the conclusion that only those who have such specialized training are worthy to be in God’s presence.

But in Psalm 15, David reminds us that, if we really want to get close to God, our lineage and training don’t matter nearly so much as our obedience. In fact, in this psalm David summarizes so much of what we learned in the Law of Moses, doesn’t he? We should not be self-focused, taking advantage of the poor by charging interest (Psalm 15:5), but instead be willing to suffer personal harm in order to remain faithful to promises we have made (Psalm 15:4). We should desire truth and justice, instead of taking bribes and telling hurtful lies about people (Psalm 15:3, 5). In short, it’s a life of integrity and righteousness, not one’s genealogy or job description, that makes one truly pleasing and acceptable to God (Psalm 15:2).

Yes, we can only be saved by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. But it is only as we live out our faith in Christ by obeying His law of love for God and love for one another that we can truly claim to worship Him, to draw close to Him, to be one with Him.

So, however important it is to gather with God’s people on the Lord’s Day, let’s not confine our worship to that hour of the week. And let’s not only trust in Christ as our personal Savior, so that He might break the power of sin over our own lives. Let’s also turn away from the remnants of sin within us so that our worship and our prayers may spring from pure hearts, from lives that are devoted to His glory and to the good of others. For it is that sort of worship that truly pleases the Lord.

Psalm 15 (NASB)

A Psalm of David.
O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?
2 He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.
3 He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;
5 He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.