Monday, June 24, 2013

A Thought for Monday 6/24/13

“Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.  For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it.  You do not delight in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart – These, O God, You will not despise.”  Psalm 51:12-17

This passage seems to contradict the Law as offerings and sacrifices are prescribed, but this passage is actually written by one who has spent considerable time in prayer and introspection.  The psalmist has learned to appreciate exactly what these sacrifices and offerings truly represent. 

It is not easy to look deeply within; it is harder still to be perfectly honest not only with ourselves but with our Lord and see where we have failed to acknowledge what has already been done for us.  The people of Israel are called to always remember the Exodus, when they were delivered from bondage, and tell the story to their children and grandchildren.  The people of the Church are called to remember what was done at the Cross, when all were delivered from bondage to sin and death, and tell the story to our children and grandchildren. 

Maybe like the psalmist, we are looking for “new” evidence of Divine Grace especially when we feel overwhelmed by the world.  Real time spent searching the Scriptures, contemplating what has been done already, and coming to realize how easily these things are taken for granted should be sufficient for a “broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart” – if we can truly appreciate what was already done and why it was done.

Let us learn to embrace what is already in abundance, and be renewed in our spirit and in the purpose for which we have been called forth.  As it is written, “My grace is sufficient for you”.  Not the grace that may come, but the grace that already is.

Blessings,

Michael

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