SCRIPTURE: Psalm 51:1-20
OBSERVATION:
Written by David after he was confronted (2 Samuel 12:1-14) for committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-27).
David is genuine sorrowful, recognizing how evil his sin was. He affirms that he was born a sinner, that sin poisons his whole nature. He tried to hide his sin but the Lord, who desires truth “in the inner parts” (i.e. integrity) revealed it to him.
David’s only hope is the Lord’s compassion, that He will “wash” (forgive and free) David of his sin and shame. David recognizes his need for a new heart (v.10), not just forgiveness. If we are sinful from birth, then we need a spiritual heart transplant, only possible by the the Holy Spirit.
Once restored he promises to tell others about the Lord’s mercy (vv.13-15).
David reaffirms what Asaph said in the previous Psalm that the Lord does not delight in the sacrifice and offering itself but in the sincere (broken and contrite) heart (Psalm 50:8-15).
APPLICATION:
The Lord often convicts me of the very sins that I accuse others of. David’s indignation at the rich man’s crime in Nathan’s parable, and Nathan’s finger pointing at David (2 Samuel 12:5-7) is often how I feel whenever I am bothered by someone else’s sin – the Lord points the finger back at me and shows me how I have similar “issues”.
This Psalm reveals our deepest need: we are all born sinners, guilty before God, in need of God’s mercy, and needing a spiritual heart transplant. The only way to receive God’s help is to genuinely repent and trust in the Lord for mercy.
It is the heart, not the gift, that God measures. If the heart is hollow, then it doesn’t matter the size of the gift.
God’s mercy is so great, greater than we realize. If we really knew how much God forgave us, we would be much more merciful to those who wrong us, and more eager to tell others about His grace.
PRAYER:
Lord, teach me how serious my sin is, then impress on my heart how much greater Your love is. Then I can treat others graciously and tell them with conviction how great You really are! Amen.