2022 0102 Psalm 51

Psalm 51

written by David after the rebuke by the prophet Nathan

the story of Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11

v2 David saw Bathsheba bathing

v4 David sent for her and slept with her - she became pregnant

v8 Uriah was summonsed and told to go home

2 Samuel 11:11 NIV

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

Uriah was a man of honour

David instructed the army commander Joab to place Uriah in a mortal position

David sinned at least 3 ways - one led to another then another

2 Samuel 12

Nathan told a story about a rich and a poor man

the rich man stole the lamb of the poor man for a meal

2 Samuel 12:5 NIV

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die!

David was identified as the culprit

there were a number of consequences that followed

2 Samuel 12:13 NIV

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.

so out of this comes this marvellous psalm 51

God Dealing with Sin

Psalm 51:1–2 NIV

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.

conviction of sin comes from the Holy Spirit

the depth of the sin reveals the urgency and sufficiency of God’s mercy

there is no other way than this path of mercy

God’s character - unfailing love and great compassion

strong against sin but mercy triumphs over judgement James 2:13

out of conviction comes a cry of desperation

wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin

Psalm 51:3–4 NIV

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

sin does not leave - the stain of guilt, the memory of wrong remains

it burns a hole in our being - it is like a branding, it sears deep into the heart

sin is ultimately against God

man is sinful from conception yet God’s mercy is available

hence sin can only really be dealt with in God accordingly

Psalm 51:7–9 NIV

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.

God cleans with no blemish left

there will be an accompaniment with the cleansing

there are no half measures - it is total clean

joy and gladness will flourish

rejoicing will come with redemption

all sin shall be removed - what a blessing

Psalm 32:5 NIV

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

God Bringing Salvation

Psalm 51:10–12 NIV

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 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.

a cleansing by God brings certain defined outcomes

it creates a willingness for a pure heart and steadfast spirit

removing sin and guilt must lead to an overwhelming desire to become more holy, more Christ like

just not a flash in the pan but a consistent and determined approach

the fear of losing God and his presence is a natural thought

the cry of the heart is to draw closer to God, to his majesty

the effect of sin needs an antidote

the joy of Christ’s salvation is to be regained, restored in the mercy and grace of Jesus

this is our sustenance, our all

Our Response

Psalm 51:13 NIV

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

the joy of salvation, of tremendous relief from sin will lead to a desire to share that good news

is your salvation that marvellous?

Psalm 51:14 NIV

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

the lifting of guilt leads to songs of joy and praise

God our Saviour is worthy of song

Psalm 51:15 NIV

Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

guilt and sin will shut our mouths

yet release from sin wil lead to a release of praise

here is our challenge - overcome our reluctance and sing of his goodness

Psalm 51:17 NIV

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

the bottom line is always this

a broken and contrite heart is joyful to God