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David Lyons
GUILT AND PEACEPsalm 38:4-5, "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. Sin causes a lot of problems in our lives. In fact, sin causes eternal death. It also causes problems in our marriages, churches, and, believe it or not, our bodies. The psalmist says that his physical body aches because of his sin. The guilt in verse four is very real. Many today talk about false guilt, but guilt that comes as a result of sin can be devastating. We feel guilty because we know that our sins are very foolish. The psalmist refers to his sins as "sinful folly". No wonder so many people today are having anxiety attacks, they have led sinful lives and don't know what to do about it. But there is a solution. Revelation 2:5, "Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place. We know that our sin has consequences. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. But that is not the final say on this issue. Jesus told the church at Ephesus to repent. That means to acknowledge, confess, ask for forgiveness, and turn completely away from your sin. Once we confess our sins, we need to do what Jesus told the adulterous woman when he didn't condemn her: go and sin no more. Then we will find that we can have real peace in our lives. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The first Christmas gift that was given, was the gift of life God sent to us through His Son, Jesus. Will you accept this gift?
~ David Lyons
Today's Scripture Readings*
Father, We don't like to be reminded that our opposition to You in sin is repulsive to Your very nature. In order for grace to work there must be a reason for it to exist. And so, help us to confess that your grace, and the peace that it brings, is very much needed in our lives. If there is a doubt, any doubt, that our relationship with You is in jeopardy, help us to confess our doubt, and if need be, our sin. Help us to allow You to bring Your peace to our hearts. Amen
*These readings are adapted from the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer, Year 2. For Year 1 readings, see Daily Readings, Advent 1. |
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