February 27
How Must I React to My Sin?
by Steve Ham, AiG–U.S.
Today's big question: how must I react to my sin?
I have watched as my mother lost her husband and one of her
sons. Perhaps the sorrow of a loved one's death never goes away in this world.
Perhaps she will always mourn these losses. When grief like this comes, I don't
think you get over it with a pat on the back and someone telling you, “It will
all be better soon.”
The first beatitude brings us to a place of spiritual
bankruptcy when we acknowledge the depravity of our condition in the light of a
holy God. We are without excuse, and we have no way out in our own strength.
The great thing about these beatitudes is that He attached hope to every one of
them. Spiritual poverty leads to His kingdom. Spiritual mourning leads to
eternal comfort. But what is this mourning?
King David provides us with a great example. After
committing adultery with Bathsheba and trying to cover it up by murdering her
husband, David's sin was exposed by God through Nathan the prophet. David was
devastated by his sin and he pled for the mercy of God.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according
to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot
out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from
my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
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 Your judge. (Psalm
51:1–4)
The first step of true mourning is to understand our need to
completely depend upon Jesus. No matter who we sin against, our sin is
ultimately directed against God, so we must deliver our pleas to Him.
Thankfully, God is merciful, and His mercy is limitless and everlasting. He
desires to give mercy, and He patiently waits to give it. What comfort this is
to the mourner! Cast your cares upon God because He cares.
God's mercy in the Cross of Christ is a total and fulfilling
mercy, and His comfort is everlasting. God's mercy and wrath are displayed in
the Cross, but Christ has taken the wrath on Himself, and He grants His mercy
to all who repent and trust in Him. The response to sin in our life must surely
be to plead for His mercy—the all-comforting mercy found in the completed work
of Christ.
Today's big idea: sin should bring us to our knees before
our Creator—the one against whom we have sinned.
What to pray: confess your sin to the Lord and take comfort
in His mercy.
