Focus
Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.
Read
Psalm 32:1-2 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Of David. A Maskil.
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Reflect
Guilty and Forgiven
Psalms 32 is labeled ‘A Maschil’. This term literally means “giving instruction”. David speaks here from experience. He writes with passion. A man found guilty but forgiven of his great transgression against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. So solemn is the tone that it is repeated using different terminology. First, transgression, next sin, and lastly, iniquity.
Transgression, literally indicates separation, rending apart, rebellion against God. Whereas, the word sin in the second clause of verse one, refers to missing an aim. It implies that the ultimate goal of the Christian life, obedience to our Father God, should be pursued with zeal and fervent effort, but is never met due to missing the mark through human error.
Finally, iniquity, something twisted or distorted. Matthew 7:13-14, is a reminder that following the wide, winding, and distorted way of iniquity leads to destruction. God has given a direct path, a straight path to Him through His son Jesus. God gave Moses the Law as a teacher so that His chosen people would stay on the straight and narrow by recognizing iniquity as a deviating path away from God. Jesus came to fulfill the Law and redeem mankind from eternal damnation. Herein lies three words that convey the depth and breadth of evil: as for God, my Father, Friend, and Life, rebellion and separation; as for the goal of my life, a disastrous miss; and as for the life-giving Law of God, distorted and divergent living.
However, David didn’t leave us without hope. He exclaimed, “Happy, blessed!!” David had experienced forgiveness. His sin had been covered as though it never existed. The Lord exonerated him, and He does the same for us when we recognize our depravity and humbly ask forgiveness.
Pray
Loving Father, Holy God, the Great I Am, all praise is due You! I have sinned and placed a gulf between me and thee. I ask Your forgiveness and restoration. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Go with God!
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