I mentioned watching a sermon series on the Psalms of Lament last time. Yet what I didn’t mention is my own drawing series based upon the Psalms. A series I let slip because I got stuck on 48. However, these sermons inspired me to pick it back up again. This time, focusing only on what genuinely inspired me rather than trying to be exhaustive. Then I got to 51, which kicked the inspiration into high gear. After making two separate drawings on 51, I recalled drawing inspiration from 51 before. Technically, I made the drawing first to express a feeling, only to find a verse that matched it soon after. Upon realizing this, I read it again, only to be inspired to do two more drawings. Even as I write this, I feel the urge to do more. So here I am sharing the experience.
51: A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. . . Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. -verses 1-2 & 7-9
While two separate sections, they relay the same thing. David humbling himself before God. The repetition indicates a deep level of honest regret. Owning his sin without anymore excuses. We should follow this example.
 |
| Cleanse me with Hyssop |
*******
This defies the pop-culture notion that “people are basically good.” That the sinful nature is, in reality, inherent. Not every sin stems from a past trauma; sometimes it’s just plain selfish want. We need to be honest with ourselves on this one and deal with our issues accordingly if we want to overcome.
 |
| The Sinful Nature ******* |
With that being said, verses 3-5 were never meant to be used as an excuse. We have also been given the means to overcome, and those things come from the hand of God, not mere willpower. While the rest of the Psalm is seldom quoted, verse 10 is often cited outside the context of the chapter's honesty and transparency. Here lies a huge problem in the current church. A desire for the benefit, without the discipline and humility it takes to succeed. (1st Peter 5:6-7) This is one of the reasons why we backslide.
 |
The Secret Place ******* Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. -verses 11-12 When we feel far from God, our spirit can grieve. We often feel obliged to stay away from God out of guilt in these moments. However, that’s the exact opposite of what we should do. The weakness of our flesh tends to drag down our spirits. Only God can lift them back up again, so seek his face rather than retreat. (Matthew 26:11) |
 |
| Stand in the Rain ******* Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. -verses 13-15 Much like what Matthew 7:3-5 indicates. It’s only by overcoming the trial for ourselves can effectively teach others to do the same. Instead of merely defining a standard, we never lived up to it. We all struggle to live up to righteousness in our own strength due to our inherent sinful nature. That is why whitewashing is still so prevalent today. We keep it from the one who wants to help. He also blurs the line between correction and praise. Indicating that we need to stop compartmentalizing worship away from holiness. This is a Psalm after all. Imagine someone writing a praise song about the tribulations of adultery today. Yet scripture sets the precedent. Would it not be fair to say God would be more pleased with sincere repentance than empty words? |
 |
| Teaching of Righteousness through praise |
*******
On the surface, David is technically violating Mosaic law by not making a sin offering. But if we look deeper, you may realize that animal sacrifices were meant to teach us that sin brings death into the world, and costs us something. Something he was already experiencing through his dying child of said adultery. He had already had nine months to repent; he should have made that ritual sin offering before Bathsheba gave birth. His reluctance to confess up to this point only made it all worse. Also, David knew the truth behind the practice of ritual sacrifice: sincerity. A rote transaction would have done no good at all. We would do well to be as remorseful and honest in our repentance.
 |
| Contrite Heart |
*******
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. -verses 18-19
Why is David bringing up Zion and Jerusalem all of a sudden? As king, he acknowledges that his position is not just a privilege, but a huge responsibility. That his sin has had consequences beyond just himself. He uplifts the nation of Israel, for whom he is responsible, so they may not suffer for his mistakes. Have we learned from his mistake by accepting responsibility for our own actions as well? Or do we just say our choices are our business alone, despite how it may be trickling down onto others?
 |
| Spill Over ******* |
This Psalm is all the more poignant in an age that shuns correction and absolutes. That wants to rationalize self-destructive behavior. As well as marginalize consequences wherever we can. But nothing can erase the harm to our immortal soul other than God's grace. We should ask ourselves, what is our Bathsheba? What are we doing to try to hide or make excuses for it? Why don’t we just admit that our reluctance to face it honestly is greatly hindering our walk with Christ?
No comments:
Post a Comment