Highlights In Today's Reading:
A powerful confirmation of the reliability and the safety found only in God is recorded. Consequently, we are reminded to be still and listen to God as revealed in today's Bible Reading. This means we need not worry or be fearful, just worship and praise the Lord since He is in control and no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (84:11). Consequently, we are to praise the Lord who is the true Ruler of the Earth.
The awareness of sin and pleas for forgiveness are very intense in Psalm 51. Following the experience of David's sin with Bathsheba, God sent Nathan the prophet who said to David: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? . . . and hast taken his wife to be thy wife. . . . Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house (II Sam. 12:9-10). David prayed fervently and sincerely: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me (Ps 51:1-3). The sincerity of his confession is unmistakable in his prayers pleading for cleansing and restoration.
As with David, God always forgives sin when it is confessed, but whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Consequently the future suffering and sorrow are inevitable. Because of this sin, tragedies continued to haunt David the rest of his life.
David did not attempt to justify his actions or shift the blame to someone else. He had a right estimate of sin. He did not elevate himself as one who was above the Law since he was the king, but admitted his rebellion against God and His Holy Law, saying: Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned (Ps. 51:4). Although their first relationship was adultery, it was forgiven. David then took Bathsheba as his wife (II Sam. 12:9) and Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon, and the Lord loved him (12:24).
In our fallen nature, we are prone to make excuses for our sins by blaming circumstances, someone else, the tendencies which we have inherited, or the lack of training which we did not receive. Or, as Adam did, we may even blame God (Gen. 3:12). But sin is never justified and is always the abominable thing that I (God) hate (Jer. 44:4).
Like our own failures, we wish that this blight upon David's life had not happened. But it was recorded to reveal the deception of lust. It also reveals how the sinners who truly repent and forsake their sin can experience the same wonderful mercy and forgiving love of God. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25).
Thought for Today:
For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee (Ps. 86:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who will judge His people (Ps. 50:4). The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at His appearing (II Tim. 4:1).
Word Studies:
46:6 heathen raged = nations were in a furious uproar against the city of God; 48:11 daughters of Judah = the whole nation; 49:9 see corruption = experience death; 50:23 conversation = daily conduct; 51:4 that Thou mightest . . . be clear when Thou judgest = so that there will be no question about the justice of Your sentence against me.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Charles and Josphine Van Boskirk • English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Nesa Anderson • Government Official: Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) • Country: South Korea (46.9 million) in northern Asia • Major languages: Korean and English • Religious freedom • 48% Christian; 40% Buddhist; 3% Confucian; 9% Shamanism, Chodogyo, Other • Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with a heart and life that are keeping His Commandments and He will answer you (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:20