Create in Me a Clean Heart
A Musical Devotion Inspired by "Psalm 51"
David. There are just so many things about him that I love...and so many things not to love. Bathsheba? What was he thinking? Of course, the obvious answer is...he wasn't thinking, which was his first problem. It was bad enough that he coveted another man's wife, but to have her husband killed to "get her" was another thing altogether...and let's not forget about her unwanted pregnancy. Compared to David, most of us would say we're "pretty good people" -- we haven't killed anyone or done anything THAT bad in our lives.
Well, I must confess: I'm David. If Nathan were here today, he'd look at me and say, "you're the woman." I covet my neighbor's "fill-in-the-blank". I've killed so many people - with my tongue. I've committed adultery - in my heart. And I proceed with my life as if all is right with the world. "I'm not THAT bad."
Today is Yom Kippur. In Jewish history, it's the day the High Priest would enter into the Holy of Holies and ask for atonement for himself and for the nation of Israel. Yom Kippur is the most precious of days. It's a day we can come before God with all our sin exposed, repent, plead for restoration, and thank Him dearly for providing for us a High Priest whose blood brings us forgiveness, and who to this day still pleads on our behalf before the Throne. Yes, we should repent daily, but there is a sweet aroma that lifts to the heavens when the body gathers together in corporate repentance. And, this is the day God has given us to do just that.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
Today, I will fast, I will repent, and I will pray with the many brethren who deem this day Holy, because God calls it Holy. I'm so grateful that atonement has been made for my sin! That like David, I too, can say "Father, create in me a clean heart, renew a right spirit within me...cast me not away from Your presence, and restore my soul."
Chag Sameach, beloved friends.
Teresa