Reading: Psalm 14
The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
(Psalm 14:2-3)
Meditation:
We like to think that we’re good people who occasionally do bad things. But the word of God threatens us with the truth. Could it be that I am among those who say in their heart, “There is no God”? Indeed.
Part of the trouble is that what we believe and how we act correspond to one another as often as they don’t. I believe the law of God is pure and righteous; I do not perform the law of God. I believe that God speaks the truth about me and about others; I do not live in the light of those truths.
This is even true when it comes to the grace of God. Those who follow after Jesus have already believed that there is wickedness in their hearts and that what they need is the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus. They even believe that they are secure in his righteousness, and that their pardon cannot be overturned by a higher court. And yet…
How often have I ignored my duties, as though God weren’t there? Further, how often have I ignored the call to repentance for fear of shame? Even though I am a child of God? Even in our salvation we lack understanding and fail to do good.
Yet, the Lord will restore the fortunes of his people, and they will rejoice (v. 7). And that is on account of his kindness, his goodness, not ours. His grace is greater than all our sin.
“Our discipleship is never as noble as we imagine it, but Jesus accepts it nevertheless” James Edwards).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we do not deserve to be your disciples. Yet, you looked at us, and seeing all our flaws and sinful ways, loved us. You had compassion on us. You still do. Forgive the sin of our hearts and correct our ways that they may reflect you. Turn our hearts toward you and grant us joy in our salvation.
Amen.