Read Psalm 65:1-4. 1Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 2O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. 3When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. 4Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
We can imagine this festal psalm being sung to God by the multitudes of his people at the Tabernacle court as they contemplate his atonement around the altar. This is not the praise of victory in battle, rather, it is the praise of renewed grace – When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Where the people’s sin abounded, God’s grace has abounded much more. But God has brought them near, back into his presence to dwell with him, satisfied by their good and holy God and nothing else.
If these truths belong to the Old Covenant people of God, how much more do they belong to the New Covenant Christian who is one with Christ. Forever atoned by the once for all sacrifice of Christ. Forever brought near to God by his sacrifice. Forever satisfied by our Savior King who dwells in the temple of our hearts, made good and holy by his grace.
To live is Christ is to find this satisfaction in him – peace with God and access to his eternal grace.
Romans 5:1-2. 1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Prayer. Jesus, my praise is due to you for you have welcomed me into your presence by your unconditional love and your eternal atonement. Help my heart to be satisfied in you alone. Amen.
To Live is Christ 