Repentance

(#35, Yermo, Kelso, August 1947)

Read Psalm 51.

The repentance that this Psalm speaks of was brought about by the ministry of Nathan who was sent of God to convince David of the sin in which he had continued for almost a year.  We should never shun a faithful reproof given by God when we are overtaken in a sin. 

This Psalm might have been written yesterday, so far as its value to us is concerned.  It is divided into 3 sections...

Acknowledging of sin to God (v1-6).

ƒ    This was Pharaoh's cry when smarting under God's judgment.

ƒ    This was Achan's confession when he was found out.

ƒ    This was the cry of rebellious King Saul when he found his sin discovered.

ƒ    This was the cry of chastened Job under affliction.

ƒ    This was Judas' confession when he betrayed Christ.

ƒ    This was the cry of the Prodigal when he came to himself.

David's cry is different than most, coming from a truly penitent heart.  He knew his sin was real, that it was against God, and that in fact he had been born in sin!

Cleansing for sin (v7-12).

There is a twofold cleansing from sin...

    1.  Hyssop refers to the blood, as in Ex. 12:22; Eph. 1:7.

    2.  Wash me is the work of the Word acc. to Eph. 5:26.

A clean heart.  David realized that sin came from the heart and that it was the heart that needed cleansing.

He also sought restoration of joy.  Sin brings about the loss of the joy we had when we were saved.

The results of this restoration (v13-19).

ƒ    He became a witness.  Sin prevents our witness, but God's forgiveness gives something to witness to.

ƒ    Sinners were converted.

ƒ    The song and praise returned.

God wants, not the sacrifice of burnt offerings nor of goats or sheep, but the sacrifice of a broken heart.