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Reading - The Christian Hope (Romans 10:11-13)
Psalm 51 is King David's great prayer of repentance and a model of how we, as sinners, should approach God's throne of grace. David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband, Uriah, killed (2 Samuel 11), and this prayer comes in light of the prophetic rebuke he receives in chapter 12. When we come to see the depth of sin in our lives and face the charge, "you are the man!" (ch.12, v.7) there is only one recourse and that is to throw ourselves on God's mercy.
As David prays certain truths become clear:
1. Sin runs deep and defines us (v5)
2. God requires righteousness (v6)
3. When we sin we sin against God (v4)
4. Religion and good works won't save us (v16)
5. We are totally dependent on God's mercy (v1)
David's plea is heartfelt and real, an appeal to God who alone can save him.
On what basis is David appealing for mercy? "According to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion…" (v1)
What is David asking God to do? "Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from sin" (vv 1-2). "Hide your face from my sins and blot out my iniquity" (v9). "Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me…" (v14).
What is David's expectation? "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" (v8). Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (vv 10-12).
What is the key to this great blessing of cleansing, forgiveness and a place in God's presence? "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (v17).
Who has done all this?
It is God who washes away my iniquity and cleanses me
from sin.
It is God who makes me whiter than snow.
It is God who creates in me a pure heart.
It is God who gives me a steadfast and willing spirit, to sustain me.
It is God who restores my joy.
The Christian hope is that there is forgiveness and full acceptance with God to everyone who believes. That "the same Lord is Lord of all (of David and of you and of me) and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'" (Ro.10:13).
The Christian hope is "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philip.1:6)
The Christian hope is that, "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory" (Eph.1:13-14)
The Christian's hope, like David's, is in God,
"Christ in you the hope of glory" (Col.1:27). "Faith is
being sure of what we hope for" (Heb.1:1). Do you have a sure hope
today? Such a hope is "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure"
(Heb.6:19). As you go through this week will your hope be a sure anchor
based on God's mercy and compassion. Are you sure?