Coming Clean
Boats may naturally accumulate barnacles, but barnacles are no good for boats. Boats are not designed to operate with a build up of barnacles. They may be hidden from sight and so the adverse effect upon the boat's appearance may not be immediately obvious. But, all sorts of things from intake to speed, to noise, to efficiency are compromised. That's the way it is with sin that so easily entangles us and hinders us (Hebrews 12:1).
Psalm 51 is an example of a penitential psalm - a psalm of repentance. King David composed it after he sinned in his adulterous violation of Bathsheba and murderous treachery against Uriah, her husband, and then was called out for it by Nathan the prophet. David, described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) flat out sinned. But, what if being "according to God's own heart" referred more to God's ordained intentions for him more so than his faultless character? What if David's response to his sin and sinfulness is part of God's heart for David and for all of his people? Does Psalm 51 then speak much more directly to our hearts about our sin? This psalm shows us:
The basis of repentance (God's character and our contrition);
The results of repentance (our restoration and exaltation)
Rather than hiding, denying, or trying to offset our sin - no matter how vile and gross, come clean. Repent, and let God's word show us his heart for even the worst of sinners. Join us this Sunday as we delve into this psalm - or look for the livestream.