How can we become clean when we know we are so dirty? I am not speaking about physical dirt which can be removed with hot water and soap.
I am dealing here with spiritual dirt which today needs the blood of Jesus Christ.
This man is pleading for mercy and he wants to have his sin blotted out and be washed and cleansed and have his sordid life and situation cleaned up.
This is a king and this king had fallen morally and he had fallen badly and it is King David and we read of his predicament and confession and cleansing in Psalm 51.
The details of what had occurred are spelled out so precisely in the second book of Samuel Chapters 11 and 12.
Reading and understanding this can help many if only they will give heed to the lessons and warnings, given to us by a gracious concerned compassionate and loving God, who remains so utterly faithful.
In verse 5 of Psalm 51 David sees something, as he is given a revelation of his sin, and of the terrible situation he was in, because of the terrible things he had done! Sin has consequences and many of these consequences we are not away of while we are 'enjoying' the sin.
This is God's man, and he saw he was a sinner before he was born.
Let that speak to and teach those who are so involved in abortion! King David knew that Almighty God wants truth to be away deep down within a man.
Sin is not basically physical.
It is spiritual.
When a man understands that reality, it can be of immense practical help.
It is a key which can open the door to freedom and liberty and release and peace.
Jesus Christ made that clear.
It is what it going on in your heart and in your thoughts, that can be so very crucial and critical for your future.
Outwardly, everyone wants to be forgiven, but that is not where the trouble lies, and that is why God has to plough us up at times in order to reach the root.
King David sees the true nature of his sin, and the depth of his sin, and he acknowledges it.
That is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit had created a storm in the heart and mind of David and prompted him to cry out for forgiveness and cleansing and restoration.
The Spirit brings you to God whereas the flesh and sin and its powerful force drives you away from God.
Davis prays that he may be purge with hyssop, which is a bitter herb.
if You have something bitter for me, O God, then I am ready! Make me clean.
Do a real job on me.
David is after joy and gladness.
Heal my crushed bones.
Make me whole.
King David realised that what went so terribly wrong began in his heart.
Desires and longings can work havoc at times.
Go there and put things right, Creator God.
That is how serious it was.
Renew and restore me.
Cleanse and wash and heal and renew.
David saw what God was after, and if sin could go this deep, then so could truth.
King David wanted cleansing and truth to be this deep! David does not want to be cast away like his predecessor King Saul.
He does not want to lose the presence of the Lord.
He did not want the Holy Dove to fly away.
David wants his fellowship with God restored.
The Holy Spirit is very sensitive and very tender, in as much as He will not rest upon sin.
He will not remain where there is deliberate transgression and iniquity.
Are we aware of that? Is our society aware of that? And is the Church of Jesus Christ aware of this too as the church attempts in these days to redefine sin and the nature of sin?