Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 7-8, Luke 15:11–32, Psalm 51:1–7, Proverbs 11:19-20
Devotional
"You are the man."
That is what Nathan said to David when he confronted him over his adultery with Bathsheba and his arranging of her husband Uriah's death. And following all this serious sin, David even became self-righteous in his condemnation of others. Nathan told him the story about the man who, in spite of having many sheep, stole his neighbor's only sheep. David was incensed at this injustice until Nathan pointed the finger at him.
At that moment, the reality of his sin came crashing down on him and all of his arrogance and artifice was stripped away. That's when he wrote the most beautiful song of repentance ever, Psalm 51.
In Psalm 51:1, David is not longer sitting in judgment on others but is calling out for God's mercy and grace, knowing he deserves nothing from God.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Having called out for forgiveness and cleansing, he addresses the seriousness of his own sin. There is no attempt to blame his sin on anyone else, to rationalize it, or to justify it because of what someone else did.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me. (51:3-5)
He admitted his sin without reservation, realized it was a serious offense against God, accepted the righteousness of God's judgment against his sin and pled guilty to general sinfulness of heart.
Of course, the rest of the Psalm will wait for tomorrow, but we will see that his genuine repentance is accompanied by a deep desire and commitment to change, to return to obedience with God.
David was a man after God's own heart, but when he sinned grievously he learned and demonstrated one of the keys to living for God. Repentance. Being a "good Christian" is about seeking the power of God to say no to sin and yes to God, of course. But it is also about remembering the work of Christ on the Cross when we fall into sin. It is about facing up to our sin without excuse or rationalization. Face it. Admit it. Repent of it. Be cleansed of it. Return to obedience. That is the lesson we learn from David.
One note that must be made here. David was forgiven of his sin - washed as white as snow. But consequences of his sin remained until the day he died. God's forgiveness for sin does not guarantee that he will shield us from all of the consequences that flow from that sin.
Father, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I need that grace every day. Even as a pastor and a "mature" Christian, I see so much of my sin, the wickedness of my heart before you. Forgive me, Lord.
Think and Pray
Do you consider your sin in the light of the character and pleasure of God, or just in terms of the consequences you experience?
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