Making an Open Confession

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever

before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned . . . “                              

{Psalm 51:3-4a} 

The long arm of the law, in New York City, was slow to apprehend Beth for shoplifting. But swift to mete out justice to her, with their legal system.  So, right after she was arrested for trying to leave Macy’s with merchandise she had not paid for; Beth was promptly taken to the precinct and booked. Then, quickly charged with shoplifting, at her arraignment hearing. And, was swiftly assigned a public defender to consult with, about her case.

But after Beth’s lawyer confronted her, with overwhelming evidence of her stealing goods from the department store; the proceedings rapidly came to a screeching halt! For Beth immediately stood up, before the judge, and stated, “Your Honor, I plead guilty to the charge!” Her formal statement of guilt, in open court, caused the judge to only sentence Beth to 200 hours of community service.

After the prophet Nathan confronted King David about his adultery with Bathsheba and arranged murder of her husband, Uriah (II Samuel 12:1-7), David immediately went before God, the Supreme Judge, in prayer. There he made an admission of his own guilt in breaking God’s laws. That’s why in Psalm 51:3-4a, David is heard making an open and unreserved confession of sin. He admits an acute awareness of his wrong doings with Bathsheba and Uriah (v. 3a). His anguish and remorse over his sins, that constantly haunted him (v. 3b). And David admits that his sins, are ultimately, a rebellion against God (v.4a).   

The Bible says, that like David, “all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).  So, as we begin our journey with Jesus to Calvary, to die for our past, present, and future sins; let us, daily, meet God in prayer.  Then we can regularly consult with the Holy Spirit, to identify, examine and immediately confess, our sins against God, our family, and our friends. God has promised, “. . . if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (I John 1:9).  Quick, fast, and in a hurry!

Prayer: Dear God, thank-you for calling us to confession and repentance of our sin, as we commence this Lenten season. On this journey with Jesus to Calvary, create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen!