July 24, 1949 PRAYERS OF CONFESSION Psa. 32:1-5; 51:1,2, 7*13
MME OF ONESIPUOfcUS
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Pointers on the Lesson Psalms 32 and 51 are known as Peni tential Psalms. Somewhat similar, there are seven in all—the 6th, 32nd, 38th, 51st, 102nd, 130th and 143rd. In each instance, the psalmist expresses a sor rowful spirit. There is recognition of sin and desire that it may be put away. Psalm 32 was a favorite with St. Au gustine who often read it with tear- filled eyes. Before his death, he had it written upon the wall opposite his sick bed, so that he might be comforted by it. The Blessedness o f Forgiveness Psa. 32:1-5 Three things are found in the opening verses of this Psalm: first, there is a song (vv. 1, 2 ). The psalmist suddenly bursts into a paean of praise. He rec ognizes the blessing of a forgiven spirit. It is wonderful to know that sin is cov ered and that God no longer looks upon the sinner as a sinner. Instead of im puting sin to the one confessing his sin, He imputes His own righteousness. In this day o f grace, we have even greater reason to praise God than they did in Old Testament times. For today the be lievers’ sins are not merely covered; they are taken away (John 1:29). Secondly, we have sorrow here (vv. 3, 4). In these verses, the psalmist describes the condition o f the one whose sin is unconfessed. It is an experience of bitter ness and heaviness. There is no rest in such a condition. Then there is 'confes sion in verse 5. The psalmist with con fidence shows that no sooner had he confessed his siri than the Lord gra ciously forgave. It is no different now. Read First John 1:9. It is a terrible thing to live with unconfessed sin in the life when the Lord is so willing to forgive it and put it away. The Prayer of a Broken Heart Psa. 51:1,2,7-13 To understand the occasion for this Psalm the student ought to read care fully Second Samuel IT and 12 which gives the account of David’s awful sin. Psalm 51 is a broken-hearted expression of the psalmist as he is now sorry for his sin and has sought restoration. The Psalm almost defies division. Broken-hearted expressions are not usu ally given in outlined form. They come bubbling forth without concern for style. However, these three things are to be noted in the verses selected for this week’s lesson: (1) confession of sin. The psalmist speaks of “my transgressions,” “ mine iniquity,” “my sin,” “my sins,” etc. He recognizes his sin as personal, against God, against man, and as the wrecker of human happiness. (2) Desire for cleansing is also expressed. Note the words: “ blot out,” “ wash me,” “ cleanse me,” “ purge me,” “ create in me a clean heart,” and “ deliver me.”
(3) Longing for restoration moreover is witnesed in these verses. The psalmist thinks of two losses he has sustained by his sin: (a) loss o f joy (v. 12 ); and (b) loss of power (vv. 12, 13). Sin al ways causes these losses. There is no such thief of joy and power as sin. Helps for the Children When We Do Wrong Psa. 32:10b, 11; 51:10, 15; 86 :5; 130:1-5 Memory Verse: “ For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plente ous in mercy [abundant in loving kind ness] unto all them1that call upon thee” (Psa. 86:5). God’s Word tells us that “ All have sinned.” Even after we have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, often there is sin in our lives. Frequently our words and thoughts and actions grieve our Lord. It is then that we need to come to Him and ask His forgiveness. Sometimes people are not willing to forgive wrongs that are done to them. How our hearts should re joice because this is not true of our Saviour. He is always ready to forgive! Knowing this should make us obey the psalmist’s advice to: “ Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” After one o f David’s sins, he prayed a prayer that Christians often use to day when they feel the need o f our Lord’s forgiveness and cleansing: “ Cre ate in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 130:1-5 is the song or prayer of one who knew that his life was filled with sin and that the Lord alone was able and willing to forgive that sin. Read these verses carefully and remem ber that the God who created the heavens and the earth is interested in the smallest sin in the lives of His children. Each day His children need to seek the cleansing of His blood that their lives might be blessed and used for Him constantly. The parents of little Willie j! § were not Christians, but they £ j taught him the Lord's Prayer and $ "Now I lay me down to sleep." $ ■f One night, after saying these 4 | p r a y e r s , little Willie asked: | T "Mother, don't you ever pray?" s ^ "No." "Daddy, do you?" "No." > $ He looked at them seriously for 4! $ a moment, then said, "Do you S think God wants a little fellow ¡f* | like me to do all the praying for S this family? You might help me i f a little." I i $ T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S $
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& Won't you prayerfully consider this fruitful fundamental missionary activity? Free copy of China Harvester on request. flOME OF ONESIPttORUS G. A . Lundmark. President 3939 N. Hamlin Avenue. Dept.. 11 Chicago 18, Illinois appealing reading^for children ten to fourteen Fragrant Jade by Alice Margaret Huggins "Little Crooked-foot," every body calls her until she enters a mission boarding school in the fourth grade, where her very first teacher names her Fragrant Jade. In the happy atmosphere of the school, the little Chinese farm girl's club foot is all but forgotten— and a little later, something takes place that makes life just per fect for thirteen-year-old Frag rant Jade. A Broadman Book of Merit at your bookseller B R O A D M A N P R E S S Nashville, Tennessee $1.35 I «Pulpit and Choir • Headquarters for RELIG IOUS SUPPLIES
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