FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
Psalm 32:1-11
Romans 4:6-8

“The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit: a broken and a contrite heart …”

ACQUITTED!

According to the Oxford Dictionary, to acquit means “to declare (person) not guilty (of offence).” Acquitted is the sweet Gospel sound to every accused person who is pronounced “not guilty” by the judge. What greater joy is there to you and me, when we are arrested by the Law, to be released because our sin or crime has been paid for. This is David’s exultation in his being forgiven by his Lord. This joy of being pardoned is attested by Paul in Romans 4:6-8. Reader, are your sins forgiven? Are you on your way to heaven?

“Maschil” indicates this is a didactic or instructive Psalm. David promises in Psalm 51 to teach transgressors the Lord’s ways, and here he does it most effectually. How can you obtain God’s favour of forgiveness? Never hedge around like Saul when he was confronted for his waywardness and disobedience. Never try to put up a defence when you know in your heart of hearts you have sinned. Follow David, the man after God’s own heart, in making immediate and open confession when convicted by the Holy Spirit. When a boil ripens the only treatment is to cut it to release the pus within. Read 1 John 1:9-2:2.

It is told of Martin Luther that one day, being asked which of all the Psalms was the best, he answered, “Psalmi Paulini” -- Psalms 32, 51, 130, 143. For these four Psalms teach that the forgiveness of our sins comes without the law and without works, to the man who believes! So, they are called “Pauline Psalms.” Thus no man can boast of his own righteousness. Before God we have no merit at all. Before God, we are guilty. What we need is His forgiveness. And we cannot obtain forgiveness but by open confession of our sins, yea, every specific sin, with a broken heart. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Ps 51:17). If we still persist in our own righteousness stoically, David concludes we are no better than the horse, or worse still, the mule!

THOUGHT: Am I a mule when it comes to spiritual things?

PRAYER: May I always submit to Thy Word and obey Thee, O Lord.