​2/29/2020 Saturday

Psalm 51:16-19 NLT
[16] You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. [17] The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. [18] Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then, you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit— with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar
 
These words remind me of the times as a parent, I have directed one of our children to apologize for something they have done wrong. Most of the time, I have to tell them to do it again, but this time do it as if they mean it. Why do we do that? The reason they struggle to ask for forgiveness is often that at that moment, they are not sorry. It would be much better to give me time to time about it and apologizes when they are ready. Shoot, I’m not particularly eager to apologize on demand. King David’s words here shift in their focus to be the people of Israel. As much as it was the custom to make sacrifices at the temple, God requires that our hearts be sincere when we come seeking God’s grace and forgiveness.
 
Where in your life do you struggle to have a broken spirit when it comes to seeking God’s forgiveness?
 
Keep a Holy Lent!
Pastor Josh