Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 06, 2023: SOAP #4902: 2Samuel 11, 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

(Repeat from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

OBSERVATION:  In Psalm 51 David begs forgiveness from God not on the basis of who David is, but on the basis of who God is.  David did not make excuses for his sin, nor did he beg mercy because he was the king of Israel.  He did not say, “Remember, I killed Goliath.”  David did not say, “I am just a man and she was a beautiful woman, Lord, what did you expect.”  No, David knew sin could be removed because there was something greater than sin. Sin kills.  Sin destroys.  Sin is powerful, but not all-powerful.  There is something stronger than sin.  There is a power greater than the power of sin!   It is God’s mercy, His unfailing love, His great compassion.  About 1000 years after this prayer God provided the perfect payment for sin (past and future) in the death of Jesus on the cross!    He does not cover over my sin; He washes me clean.

APPLICATION:  God forgave David on the basis of who God was, not on the basis of who David was.  God forgives Leon on the basis of who God is, not on the basis of who Leon is.  When I need forgiveness, I know God’s grace is sufficient for all my sin.  When I need to forgive someone, I know that God’s grace is sufficient for all their sin too.

PRAYER:   Lord, forgive me according to your mercy, your unfailing love and your great compassion.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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