01/06/2009
Psalms 32:1 - 2 (HCSB)
1 How
happy is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!
2 How
happy is the man
the LORD does not charge with sin,
and in whose spirit is no deceit!
Psalms 32:5 (HCSB)
5 Then
I acknowledged my sin to You
and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said,
“I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and You took away the guilt of my sin.
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Many of us have been guilty of traffic violations and on occasion, we are caught. These days, the process of paying a ticket fine has been greatly simplified, yet, imagine that you still had to appear before a judge. The charges are read to the court and you must face the judge to plead your case. While in an earthly court you may argue that the police was mistaken or some other factor has accused you wrongly, in front of God, your guilt will be obvious. You cannot explain it away. You cannot twist circumstances to justify your sin. The fact will be that you stand guilty before the judge who sees all.
Now, unlike an earthly court, we have the opportunity to expunge (erase forever) our sin, but there is a catch. There is only one advocate who can plead your case for you, and you must put your faith in that court-appointed-attorney (as it were). You obviously have the right to refuse counsel and represent yourself. But if you trust in Jesus, admit – that is, take responsibility for – your wrongdoing, then he stands before the judge and declares your innocence because the penalty has already been paid.
Put yourself back in the traffic court. You stand before the judge condemned. Your guilt is obvious. There is no question of your guilt. All that is left is the sentencing. But in steps an attorney for the state, no less, who speaks to the judge, and the judge turns to you, slams the gavel and declares: “Case dismissed.”
You would certainly feel a sense of relief at being dismissed of a fine – a mere inconvenience. But now broaden that scene to include all your life. The entirety of your life’s wrong-doing is laid out in a court of law. You are condemned. There stands at the side of the courtroom an advocate who will speak to the judge on your behalf, but only if you ask.
The TV show “My Name is Earl” is about a man who is desperately trying to “right” all the wrongs he has committed. Each day he attempts to undo the harm he has caused to someone in the past. And often in the fixing, he commits yet another offense. The list of offenses never seems to get any smaller. Imagine his (and your) relief at knowing that all wrongs were mended in one single action – you no longer must endeavor to fix things. All has been forgiven. All wounds are healed.
How happy
is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!
How happy is the man
the LORD does not charge with sin.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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