TEXT: PSALMS 51:1, 14-17 (NLT).
"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins... Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."
DRAMA IN THE PALACE
Scene 1 (King David's Palace).
Prophet Nathan (facing the king): One day a guest arrived at the home of a rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.
David (fuming with rage): As the Lord liveth, the man that has done this thing must surely die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.
Prophet Nathan: You are that man! ... You have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife.
(2 Sam 2:1-7).
COVERING SIN IS FUTILE
We are quick to declare others guilty but find ways to justify our own misconduct. We point fingers at others forgetting that as we point one finger at others, at least three fingers are pointing back at us. Self righteousness cannot blot out the stain of sin. No matter how hard we try to cover our sins, it will come out one day. We cannot hide our sins from God. May the Lord have mercy upon us and cleanse us from the stain of sin in Jesus name.
DRAMA IN THE TEMPLE COURT
Scene 2 (In the temple court, a throng of people dragging a woman with them).
Pharisee (pushed the woman in front of the crowd): Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?
Teacher: (Stoops down, writes something with his finger on the dust and says nothing).
Pharisee (persistent): Master, what do you say?
Teacher (Stands up): "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (stoops down again and continues writing).
Pharisee: (looks around him, bows down his head in embarrassment and walks away, the others follow him).
Teacher (Stands up): Woman, where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?
Woman (sober): No one, Lord.
Teacher: Neither do I. Go and sin no more.
(John 8:3-11)
End of drama, curtain closes.
WE ALL HAVE FAULTS
We tend to forget easily that we have faults. When our conscience prods us a little, we begin to realise that we have a lot to answer to God and man. The religious leaders in Jesus time were ready to kill the woman caught in adultery. Jesus pricked their conscience with a simple statement: "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The stones disappeared and they all sneaked away from the scene as their consciences jolted them to the reality of their own inadequacies.
REMOVING THE STAIN OF SIN
David confessed his sins, repented and was forgiven by God after Prophet Nathan awakened his conscience. Sadly, the Pharisees did not repent or seek for forgiveness. They left with the weight of sin in their hearts. God is ready to forgive us if we confess and repent. Some people think they can bribe God with money, but God has no delight in offerings and sacrifices stained with sin. All God wants is a broken and penitent heart. If we go to him with godly sorrow and humble ourselves in repentance, he will gladly forgive us. The Lord will forgive you in Jesus name.
GO AND SIN NO MORE
Jesus told the woman, "go and sin no more." It is what God expects us to do after he forgives us. Sin will not have dominion over you in Jesus name. Don't carry the burden of sin anymore, hand it over to Jesus, he will wash you clean, purify you and restore and reconcile you with God. Let God remove the stain of sin in your life.
David lips were unsealed after he was forgiven and he was able to praise God from the depth of his heart. Sin seals your lips from praying to and praising God. Repent today and God will restore the joy of your salvation and your offerings and sacrifices will become a sweet smelling savour unto him.
PRAYER:
Lord, please have mercy on me. Wash me and remove the stain of sin from my life in Jesus name.
CONFESSION:
The blood of Jesus cleanse me from all sin.
God bless you. Shalom.
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