Today’s reading is Psalm 51.
Why is this psalm even here? The heading says it was written when Nathan the prophet rebuked David for his sin with Bathsheba. However, other than the title, there is almost nothing in the psalm that pinpoints that event. It is a prayer about a pretty generic sin. The closest to being specific it gets is when it brings up bloodguiltiness in vs. 14.
This psalm is not here to air David’s dirty laundry. This psalm is not here because David needed to publish it in order to receive forgiveness. This psalm is here as a model. This psalm is here as an example for all who believe and are in covenant with the God who forgives to know how to pray to Him when we sin.
Some suggest the language of this psalm doesn’t actually fit the time of David and the heading is a later addition by editors trying to give the psalm a context for its readers. If that were proven, it wouldn’t shake my faith in God or the Bible. However, I tend to simply take the psalms as they are presented. Either way, that heading demonstrates this psalm is basically an Old Testament version of 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Especially notice vss. 15-16:
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life (ESV).
I’ll let David and Paul duke it out for who is really the foremost and chief of sinners. However, both passages should give us fantastic hope. David’s prayer made it into the psalms. That is God’s stamp of approval on this prayer. If David was forgiven and Paul was forgiven, guess who else can be forgiven. I imagine no one was more shocked at his forgiveness than David. So, don’t be shocked that God has offered you forgiveness through Jesus Christ as well.
The saying is trustworthy and deserving full acceptance, Jesus Christ didn’t come into the world to collect up all the righteous people. Neither did He come into the world to simply forgive the minor sinners. Jesus Christ came into the world to save big sinners like you and me.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 51.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the psalm and the written devo above?
- Why do some people think their sins are too big for God to forgive?
- Do you think your sins are too big for God to forgive? Why or why not?
- What sins would be too big for God to forgive?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this psalm and today’s post?
Read the Bible 