January 15: The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
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 may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. –Psalm 51:3-4
We should add this passage to the “Often Misunderstood” stack. Most everyone knows that David wrote this after getting caught in his sin with Bathsheba and confronted by Nathan the Prophet. So, it’s only natural to look at it and go, ‘Yeah, nice try, Buddy. You sinned against more than just God there!” What about Uriah? What about Bathsheba? What about all the in between people that were caught up in the lies and deception?
But if you look at his next statement, “so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment,” it starts to come into better focus. You see, David is confessing that he is wrong at every point without question or qualification and that God is right at every point without question or qualification.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (vv. 16-17)
Many Christians boil this down to something like, “God doesn’t want external sacrifices; he wants a right attitude of the heart.” Yeah, that’s kind of right.
Think about it though. Do you think you have ever been heartbroken or contrite enough? I mean that would involve actually being able to fathom the holiness of God and the absolute offense of our sin, right? Do you think we can conjure up that kind of a repentance? I know I can’t.
That’s why we take refuge in Christ who, “Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” You see, there’s only one sacrifice that God does not despise. There’s only one sacrifice that God calls a pleasing aroma, and it is none other than the once-for-all-sacrifice of His perfect son, Jesus Christ.
And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!
Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners
OUR NEXT COMMUNITY LUNCH
We will have our next Community Lunch following the service January 22. These are always a great time together so plan now!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The adult Sunday school class will continue in 1 Peter 3. Audio of the Sunday school lessons is now being posted each week on the audio page of the church website.
The children’s Sunday school classes meet on the top floor (you can use the elevator by the chapel if necessary). The adult class is on the basement level (again, the elevator is available) in what is labeled the “Disciples Class.” Coffee and treats begin at 9:15 and class beings at 9:30 (or so).
Visitors are always welcome!