Prepare – Psalm 32 (Saturday)
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Devotional
On Saturday of Holy Week, Jesus laid dead in the tomb. It is a pivotal day, one that separates the two most significant days in human history. The brutal death of Jesus by crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus when He triumphed over death. It is a day of Easter weekend that we tend to go about our regular schedule as though it were just like any other day. But what if we took some time today to reflect upon our own sinfulness? The sin, our sin, that contributed to Jesus lying dead in a tomb. Psalm 32 helps us to do that.
What does it mean to confess? Confession runs much deeper than just admitting our wrongdoing. The word confess means “to say the same thing about.” In other words, to agree with God about our wrongdoing. The best news regarding the confession of sin is forgiveness. He is “faithful” and “Just” to forgive us. His response toward us is according to His “faithful” and “just nature”! Forgiveness is the necessary means for restoring broken fellowship with God. He holds the key to restored fellowship. As you go forward, make sure there is no sin in your life! Also, encourage those who are within your realm of influence toward a God honoring lifestyle that is free from footholds and strongholds of sin.
~ Pastor Andy Veith
Praise
Watch and listen to “Though You Slay Me” by Shane & Shane and “His Mercy Is More” by Shane & Shane.
