Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

December 8
Tuesday


A LEGACY OF
REPENTANCE

READ:
Psalm 51
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The sacrifices of God
are a broken spirit, a
broken and a contrite
heart. __Psalm 51:17
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All nations have heroes, but Israel may be alone in making epic literature about its greatest hero's failings (Ps. 51). This eloquent Psalm shows that Israel ultimately remembered David more for his devotion to God than for his political achievements.

Step-by-step, the psalm takes the reader through the stages of repentance. It describes the constant mental replays, the gnawing guilt, the shame, and finally the hope of a new beginning that springs from true repentance.

In a remarkable way, Psalm 51 reveals the true nature of sin as a broken relationship with God. David cries out, "Against You, You only, have I sinned" (v.4). He sees that the sacrifices God wants are "a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart" (v.17). Those, David has.

In his prayer, David looks for possible good that might come out of his tragedy and sees a glimmer of light. Perhaps by reading this story of sin others might avoid the same pitfalls, or by reading his confession they might gain hope in forgiveness. David's prayer is answered and becomes his greatest legacy as king. The best king of Israel has fallen the farthest. But neither he, nor anyone, can fall beyond the reach of God's love and forgiveness. __Philip Yancey
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Repentance is the soil in which forgiveness flourishes.

***************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 51****************

1 Have mercy upon me, O
God,... 2 Wash me
thoroughly from my
iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my
transgressions, and my sin
is always before me.

4 Against You, You only,
have I sinned, and done this
evil in Your sight--that You
may be found just when
you speak, and blameless
when You judge.

5 Behold, I was brought
forth in iniquity, and in sin
my mother conceived me.

6 Behold, you desire truth in
the inward parts, and in the
hidden part You will make
me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop,
and I shall be clean; wash
me, and I shall be whiter
than snow. 8 Make me hear
joy and gladness, that the
bones You have broken may
rejoice. 9 Hide Your face
from my sins, and blot out
all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean
heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me away
from Your presence, and do
not take Your Holy Spirit
from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of
Your salvation, and uphold
me by Your generous Spirit.

13 Then I will teach
transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall be
converted to You....

16 For You do not desire
sacrifice, or else I would
give it; you do not delight
in burnt offering. 17 The
sacrifices of God are a
broken spirit, a broken and
a contrite heart--these, O
God, You will not despise.

18 Do good in Your good
pleasure to Zion; build the
walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then
You shall be pleased with
the sacrifices of
righteousness, with burnt
offering and whole burnt
offering; then they shall
offer bulls on Your altar.