Thursday, April 4, 2013

Week 14 - Day 5


2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51

*Click here to read these passages:

The psalm for today is not in the correct sequence for where we’ve been and is actually one we’ve already read if you’ve been following along with the blog for a while.  The reason I felt it necessary to revisit this psalm is because I feel it is an equally important part of the story.  It is David’s reaction to being called out on his sin by the prophet Nathan.

David had started letting his power go to his head.  He saw something he wanted and he took it.  Then to cover up his sin, he used his power and authority to have another man killed.  God sends the prophet Nathan to rebuke David. 

As the commentary in my Student Bible points out, David could have had Nathan killed, or he could have denied what he had done and treated Nathan as if he were crazy.  But David knew that God was the true King, and he knew he had sinned against God.  He pours out his brokenness and repentance in what becomes Psalm 51.

David did not know of God’s mercy-plan to send Jesus to die so we could have forgiveness for our sins, but he did know of God’s mercy.  He knew that he had sinned, and even more than that, he knew he was sinful from birth.  He needed God’s forgiveness.  He also knew that to offer a sacrifice or burnt offerings to God would mean nothing if he did not have a “broken and contrite (repentant) heart.” 

“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.”
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. 
Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
(Psalm 51: 7, 10 NLT).

So thankful God answers this prayer!  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24 NIV)




 
  

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