Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God,
you will not despise.

Along with Peter weeping bitterly after having denied that he knew Jesus, this is perhaps the most famous record of repentance in the whole Bible. As the introduction to the Psalm specifies, David had plenty to repent of, having stolen another man’s wife and then arranging for that man to be killed in battle. That said, as James pointed out, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10) David was neither alone nor unique in his need for repentance! That’s why he is an excellent example for us to study, both as a model of good things and as a cautionary tale against bad things. Probably the most important thing to remember about him is that he was fully committed to God, in all his human weakness. It’s no accident that Jesus was frequently referred to as “Son of David.” Back in the 1^st Century that specifically referred to His royal lineage, but it carries other meanings as well. Jesus never sinned, and so never had a need to repent, but He carried our human weakness, and so I think sin was possible for Him. Otherwise, temptation would not have been real, and the Bible is very clear that His temptations were real indeed. (Hebrews 4:15) David, on the other hand, blew it, but in the process God used him as a model for repentance, and that factor has blessed mankind ever since.

I am quite aware of my own weaknesses and failures, and of my need to keep my repentance up to date. My electronic equipment is forever updating, but that’s not nearly as important as my repentance! The important thing for me to remember is that genuine repentance always involves a change in behavior. When I repeat a sin, I know that my repentance hasn’t been sufficient. At the same time, I know that in my human weakness I am not capable of getting it right, so I am completely dependent on the grace and mercy of God. That said, that’s not a bad place to be, because God is totally faithful and merciful toward all who will come to him in humble faith. When my repentance isn’t sufficient, it’s because I either don’t really believe God can and will cleanse and forgive me, (1 John 1:9) or, more likely, because in my pride I want to reserve the right to sin again. Either is totally foolish. As a pastor I am to encourage repentance in others, but that doesn’t mean I’m to be accusatory. After all, the name, Satan, means “the accuser.” The Holy Spirit is more than able to show each of us what we need to repent of, so I’m to strive to be sensitive and available to Him, both in my own life and as I deal with others. He not only shines a light on our sins, He enables us to repent!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for carrying me along, despite my many weaknesses. Help me walk in right relationship with You at all times, to be and do exactly what You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!