Psalm 51 ~ Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

Psalm 51 is a psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba - the account of the incident is recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12. It is David's plea to God for mercy and forgiveness that he may be cleansed from his sin. The basis for his plea is solely God's steadfast love and abundant mercy. While 2 Samuel 11-12 may indicate several sins such as adultery, murder and irresponsibility (in not fulfilling the king's duty of going into battle), David recognized that ultimately these are all just subsets of one singular sin: despising God's Word. Similarly, while some may say that David has sinned against people like Uriah, David acknowledged that ultimately it is only against God that he has sinned.

David also realized that there was nothing he can offer in return for God's forgiveness, being the sinner that he was. He, however, responded that he would teach transgressors God's ways that sinners may return to Him. David was aware that God does not take delight in mere animal sacrifices or burnt offerings but seek that of those with a broken and contrite heart who are repentant of their evil ways.

A relevant passage in Hebrews 10:1-18 also discusses that with the Old Testament sacrifices came a reminder of sin every year. Christ, however, came into this world and abolished that by becoming the ultimate single offering for sin, once for all, who perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

How will you respond? Will you come to God with a contrite heart and acknowledge Christ who has come to save?