Leviticus 4:22-5:13, Job 37, Mark 7:31-8:10, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Psalm 72: This weekend as I taught we talked about agreeing with God about our sin. Sin is anything we do that we know God would not have us do. It is missing the mark of what He says is right. It is purposely stepping across that line or sometime just not choosing to do what He says do. When that happens He doesn’t have to “catch you” in your sin. He sees all and knows all so nothing is hidden from Him. Therefore when we acknowledge our sin it is not like we are admitting to God something He doesn’t already know. We are just agreeing with Him. That my friend is called confession.
As a parent you have undoubtedly confronted your child with something you already knew they did but knew they needed to acknowledge it. When that child refused to admit their guilt you may have even grew frustrated or weary because it wasn’t up for debate. You knew the truth! As that child continued in their disobedience of denying and maybe even lying to cover it up did your heart break and you feel like an even bigger wall was being erected between you and that child? If so, you know how God feels when we too choose to make excuses, deny the truth or just be defiant. That wall can get big. The good news is it can also come back down with just a few words. “I was wrong, would you forgive me?”
In Leviticus as the sinner placed their hands on the head of the animal that was to be sacrificed it was an admission of guilt, and a request for forgiveness. I am so grateful we no longer need the blood of goat and sheep, for The Lamb took on our sin and paid the price. My job now is to admit it and allow Him to forgive.
Father, please forgive me for all known and unknown sin that I have committed. I am sorry. Would you forgive me? Help me to stay far from sin and evil’s door and no cave to my fleshly desires. Help me not walk in fear but in faith trusting Your sovereignty and grace. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.