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January 25, 2023

What God Requires

Joel Bengbeng   |   Read Psalm 15:1-5

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Lectionary Week
January 23–29, 2023
Scripture Overview

We must beware of counterfeit gospels. According to one current counterfeit gospel, we deserve God’s favor based on our deeds or intellect or status. The readings for this week remind us that this is false. Yes, the Israelites offer sacrifices, but they are first and foremost called to show mercy because they have received divine mercy. The psalmist asks who can stand in God’s holy dwelling and so provides a list of ways to live morally. Ultimately no one can stand before God on merit alone. Paul reminds the Corinthians that human wisdom is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God, and thus we should not puff ourselves up based on our intellect. Jesus teaches that those who may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world are great in the kingdom of heaven.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Micah 6:1-8. How have you let down God? What changes can you make to recommit to your relationship with God?Read Psalm 15. Consider the notion that the requirements for dwelling with God are in how we treat our friends and neighbors. How does this change the ways you seek God?Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. When have you seen God’s work in the world in a way that is antithetical to human standards?Read Matthew 5:1-12. How do you maintain a poverty of spirit in your relationship with God? How does this help you to serve God and others?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 15:1-5

1 Who can live in your tent, LORD? Who can dwell on your holy mountain? 2 The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely; 3 who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor; 4 someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the LORD; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts; 5 someone who doesn’t lend money with interest, who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person. Whoever does these things will never stumble.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

When I was a child, my parents farmed land we did not own for a living. Every planting season, we had to take loans from wealthy businessmen so we could buy the necessities of farming. In our country, big business owners lend money to farmers and then force them to...

Gracious Lord, help us realize that economic issues are genuinely spiritual issues. Forgive us for prioritizing our pleasures above our neighbor’s basic necessities. Enable us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Amen.


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