March 26

Read Psalm 5

I once read a bumper sticker on a car that read; “Not perfect, but forgiven.” This is David’s Psalm of repentance when confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba. Like each of us, David was not exempt from sin. David recognized his sin and repented. We can hear the regret in his words; “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your words and blameless in your judgement.” (v. 3-4) But we can also hear the hope in his words as he pleads; “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (v. 1-3)  

We should not forget that we are sinners and in need of forgiveness. But always remember that we have a God who is gracious and his love for each of us is steadfast, abundant, and never ending. His love and mercy is made known through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, we are not perfect, but we are forgiven. The bitterness of our sinful nature makes the truth of His Gospel all the sweeter. 

Gospel verse for today:
The next day he [John]saw Jesus coming toward him and said; “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)