The Daily Encounter
“What does God want from us?” (Psalm 51)
“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Psalm 51:16-17
In Psalm 51 verse 16 we read that God does not want a burnt offering; if it’s been a while since you’ve given a burnt offering, below is a quick explanation from Gotquestions.org
“A burnt offering was the complete destruction of the animal (except for the hide) in an effort to renew the relationship between Holy God and sinful man. A person could give a burnt offering at any time. It was a sacrifice of general atonement—an acknowledgment of the sin nature and a request for renewed relationship with God.
The ultimate fulfillment of the burnt offering is in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. His physical life was completely consumed, He ascended to God, and His covering (that is, His garment) was distributed to those who officiated over His sacrifice (Matthew 27:35). But most importantly, His sacrifice, once for all time, atoned for our sins and restored our relationship with God?”
This is (the) good news, no… this is the greatest news you’ll hear today! The price for our sin has been paid in full by Jesus. FULL. CLEAR. FINISHED. COMPLETE. REMOVED. CLEAN. PURIFIED. WASHED. NEW. UNBLEMISHED. SPOTLESS. LIKE-IT-NEVER-HAPPENED!!!! Oh but it did, and that’s what makes his payment for our sins such an incredible act of love.
God does not ask for us to make offerings to be in right standing with him, instead he asks us to bring us our broken heart and he will give us a new one.
Do not be afraid to bring God your brokenness (Psalm 34:18); it’s what he wants (Matthew 11:28). Bring your brokenness and leave with a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26, Revelation 21:4). He’s not saying all your problems will be solved (Romans 8:18), but the biggest one will be and delivered with the joy received from being in his right standing and the comfort of eternal salvation will change you in ways people will write books about!
It’s Monday morning and there is plenty of work to do, places to go, school supplies to buy, but take a moment and read Psalm 51… then confess to our Father, plea for mercy and a new heart, then rest easy knowing his mercy will wash you clean because Jesus’s sacrifice has paid for your sins. Then let that joy lead towards loving God and Others – which is the exact opposite of sin 😊 (remember sin is failing to meet God’s goal of loving Him and others in the way they deserve – which is in God’s image).
Lastly, share your story and the Glory of God with the world (or awkwardly at church when you preach once a summer… )
-Cameron A
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