Today’s reading: Psalm 51:1-57:11
My selection: Psalm 51:1-2
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
My reflections: If David committed a series of most despicable sins, he models here a most thorough response to his guilt. This response includes:
1. Recognition of the heinousness of his sin. In vs. 4, he says to God, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” His sin of course, resulted in the destruction of a marriage, the murder of a husband, the lying and cover-up that followed, and the death of the baby born to Bathsheba. But beyond this David sees that his sin has been against the Holy God of Israel. No excuses. No blame shifting. He calls it what it is: sin and evil against God and before God.
2. Request for forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration that is undeserved. David asks for mercy, that he not be given the sentence he deserves but that the Lord restore to him the joy of his salvation and not take from him His Holy Spirit.
3. Anticipation of future service to God. David commits to use his restored position to serve God even more fully. Those who have experienced great forgiveness and cleansing from sin are most enthusiastic in proclaiming the gospel. [See Luke 7:47; Mark 5:20].
My challenge: Do you confess sin as thoroughly as David? Let his confession be a model for you in seeking to go from sin and guilt to restoration and service.
Tomorrow’s reading: Psalm 58:1-64:10
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