8/16/2020 - The Solution To Your Problems - Psalm 32

I have a confession. I like to watch those shows about missing persons, unsolved murders and crime stuff in general. Not sure why this is but I think it has something to do with the satisfaction of having a mystery solved. So I've seen plenty of courtroom appearances by those who are on trial for their lives. I've tried to imagine what's going through the mind of someone who has just been declared guilty and then given a death sentence. And here's where the story takes a plot twist...that person is me...and it's also you. Our sin causes a lot more than physical deterioration and mental anguish. It creates spiritual death as we are separated from God. Psalm 32 outlines this problematic episode in our lives but it also gives a surprise ending.

Our courtroom appearance has us declared guilty and what follows is the final sentence. But then another turn...we are set free. We walk out because Jesus walks in and the judge has declared that our death sentence has been fulfilled by another. How can this be? 1 John 1:9 explains.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Notice that God is faithful and he is JUST and this is the basis for our forgiveness. A just God cannot try us twice when the crime's punishment has already been fulfilled. This is too good to be true. But it is. It is grace. It is mercy. So let's live in this truth and be people of grace and mercy to those around us.