Prophet’s Reading Plan: Ezekiel 9-12
Repentant Lament
Read: Psalm 51
This
Psalm was written by David after Nathan the prophet came to him and exposed his
sin with Bathsheba. This Psalm was
David’s response to his sin. David
appeals at once to the mercy and love of God (vs. 1) even before he mentions
his sin. He cries for the Lord to wash
him thoroughly – his desire was to be purified.
David owned up to his sin (vs. 3), he acknowledged it and didn’t make
excuses. He knew that his sin was
against God (vs. 4) and that his very nature was to sin (vs. 5). He also knew that God doesn’t just want pure
actions but pure hearts (vs. 6). David
speaks of cleansing in verse 7, his desire is to be washed a new, to have a
clean heart (vs. 10) and a right spirit.
He seeks restoration with God (vs. 12).
He has once had the joy of God’s salvation but his sin has separated him
from God so he pleads for restoration. It
is then that he can teach others God’s ways (vs. 13) so they return to God. It is then that he can sing of God’s
righteousness (vs. 14) and declare praise (vs. 15). David knew that his repentance must be from
the heart, no outward sacrifice would be accepted if the heart was not offered
to God (vs.16-17). God is looking for
brokenness and humility in the repentant.
David finishes his prayer by petitioning on behalf of God’s people. He didn’t want Jerusalem to suffer as a
result of his sin.
Overview:
Verses 1-2: Cry for mercy
Verses 3-5: Own up to your sin
Verses 7-13: Seek restoration and renewal
Verses 14-17: Genuine worship from
a clean heart
Verses 18-19: Contribute to the
health of the Body
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. Ask
God to change your heart so that you are truly repentant for your sin. Ask for a brokenness and humility and for
restoration.
2. Now
pray these things for the Canadian Church!
