By: Juliet Constantine
“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3 NKJV)
The only sin of David that readily comes to mind is his adultery with Bathsheba. Perhaps God gave permission for him to be tempted in the lust of the flesh to allow a salient lesson for all mankind – we all have weaknesses that we need to get rid of. But what’s really salient about David’s fall is his repentance.
In acknowledging his sin, with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, David fell to his face and cried out: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” In acknowledging his transgression, the King confessed that his sin was always before him. He asked God to remove his desire to sin through the process of cleansing. He begged that he would remain in God’s presence and that the deposit on his life would be retained. It was his sincere desire to teach transgressors God’s ways that would help in their conversion.
And it sure did. Many a contrite heart repeated David’s prayer times over in confessing their sins to God. In repentance they acknowledged their sin, expressed genuine sorrow for sinning and pledged their intention not to sin anymore. This is repentance. It is the universal need for all humankind on planet Earth.
Have you ever felt regret for wrongful acts you did; and did you change your mind about repeating those actions? In speaking with some listeners, Jesus advised them that no one was good as all people were sinful. He then informed them that unless they repented, they would all perish. No matter how good we think we are or how others sees us, unless we acknowledge, confess and turn from our evil ways, we will perish. It doesn’t matter what you believe or who you worship. Redemption is impossible without repentance. Without repentance, it is a clear indication there is no desire to change, or to surrender to the God of Heaven.
There comes a time in our life when enough is enough. It could be that you are or have contemplated that it’s time to stop sinning. Why should you lose out on eternal joys for temporal pleasures? Let’s admit our universal need, and like King David, acknowledge, confess and forsake our evil ways. This way, we can be sure that God’s deposit on our life will be retained.
Dear Father, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make us to know wisdom. We are thankful that You do not desire sacrifice because many of us wouldn’t be able to bring anything. We bring our broken and contrite hearts to You even now. Forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Please Father, do keep the deposit of Your Holy Spirit in our lives we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – At His Feet” Daily Devotional)
