Psalm 51

This week in worship, we’ll be singing a portion of Psalm 51. We’ll continue to sing, learn, and reflect on this Psalm for at least the next month. The Psalms are the prayerbook and the hymnbook of the Bible. Not only do they teach us right doctrine, but they teach us right emotion. They are God’s inspired examples of how we ought to speak to him. (At some point, I’ll write a longer explanation of why we sing psalms, but the short answer is the Paul directly commands it in Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16.)

Psalm 51, in particular, is one of best examples of how we are to repent. The inscription (which is part of the biblical text) says,

A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

David had committed a grave sin against Uriah, against Bathsheba, and against the whole people of Israel. He certainly owes repentance to all of these people, but notice who is mentioned most in Psalm 51. In David’s mind, although he had sinned against a number of people, his primary concern was that he had sinned against his holy God. That doesn’t diminish his debt to the people around him, but he knows that he cannot right his wrongs in the world if he hasn’t first been reconciled unto God. (Remember: “on earth as it is in heaven.”)

At the same time, David calls on the promises of God. What David brings before God is not his own works. Instead, God’s own grace is the basis for David’s plea.

How many times do we repent in a self-centered way? We tell God that we’re sorry, that we’ll never do it again. But if Psalm 51 is a model for repentance, maybe that’s the wrong way to approach God. God doesn’t want to hear our promises; he wants to hear his promises. I know that I’m going to fail. I’m going to stumble. But God is our steadfast Rock.

Does God want our offerings and our obedience? Yes! But these are only possible through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. Grace comes first; obedience comes second. The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, and then he receives the offerings of the temple. If you want to be received by God, you must do it on the foundation, not of your own works, but of his mercy given in the work of Jesus Christ.

“Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.” – Psalm 51:18-19

Thank You

Madeleine and I are very grateful for your kindness to us at Wednesday night’s shower. You went above and beyond to care for us, and having been with you for only a short time, we already feel welcomed and loved. Thank you.

Your friend in Christ,
Reid