Sin And Distance From God
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 13:10-17 and Psalm 51:13-19 (NIV)
(Jeremiah Edward, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 51:13-19 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 51 is a prayer by David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. David is pleading for God’s mercy and forgiveness and verses 13 to 19 speak of David’s commitment to teach transgressors the righteousness of God’s ways. Only with true repentance from David and forgiveness from God, will the joy of salvation be restored and guilt removed. Only then will David be able to praise God again. David then indicates that God does not take pleasure in sacrifice but in true repentance – being sorrowful for the wrong against man and God. Only then will David be able to build Jerusalem as God delights in the sacrifice of the righteous.
APPLY:
Am I truly repentant of the sin and grief caused to others and unto God? This is far more important and is a pre-requisite to sacrifices in building God’s kingdom. Let me aim to live a righteous life honouring God. The righteousness that comes through the cross of Jesus Christ must be accompanied with true repentance.
DO:
I will choose to live a righteous life and seek forgiveness where I have failed.. Jesus Christ has paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross to enable me to come to Him to be reconciled.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, please teach me Your ways, and direct me in the paths of righteousness. Where I have failed, please forgive me and accept my true repentance. For You delight in repentance over sacrifice and restores joy. Amen.
