Daily Devotional
Around His Holy Dwelling
Israel is arranged around the tabernacle, each tribe in its place, neither wandering at will nor crowding into the holy center. God teaches a people to live in order around His presence. The psalm shows why: His mercy and shining face are not given for private enjoyment, but “that thy way may be known upon earth,” and that all peoples may learn His righteous judgment and praise Him. The people of God are gathered so that the nations may be taught.
So the church must not live in confusion, with each man making his own rule. We are set around the Lord’s dwelling by obedience, prayer, and peace. The blessing is not bare speech but a charge to walk worthily: “The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.” Peace is kept by bridling the tongue, bearing with one another, and refusing envy and strife.
The psalm also joins worship to bread. The earth yields her increase, and we do not thank chance for it. As Irenaeus says, God is He “who made the earth, and commanded it to bring forth fruit, who established the waters, and brought forth the fountains, was He who in these last times bestowed upon mankind, by His Son, the blessing of food and the favour of drink:”. Therefore, when God gives increase, let the poor eat with us. A fruitful field and a full table become a witness only when thanksgiving becomes almsgiving.
Stand where God has placed you, keep near His holy dwelling, and let His blessing pass through your life to the neighbor and the stranger, so that the nations may indeed be glad in Him.
“The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.”
— Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions
“who made the earth, and commanded it to bring forth fruit, who established the waters, and brought forth the fountains, was He who in these last times bestowed upon mankind, by His Son, the blessing of food and the favour of drink:”
— Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III
For Reflection & Discussion
What one disorder in your common life must you set right today so that you live more reverently around God's holy things—neglected prayer, a loose tongue, a quarrel, or some other disobedience?
How will you give thanks for God's increase this week by sharing food, money, or goods with a poor person, a stranger, or someone sick?
What fixed act of prayer will you keep today—morning, midday, or evening—that God's way may be known on earth through your obedient life?
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