January 2021

13/01/2021

Mat 17 v 1-13; Acts 23 v 12-35; Ps 38 v 1-22; Lev 1 v 1-4 v 35
Seeking penance

Penance: an act of self-abasement, mortification (see MORTIFICATION sense 3), or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin [Merriam-Webster]
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penance

“For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.” (Ps 38 v 28)

In reading David’s confession through his prayer as well as the burnt, grain, peace and sin offerings, I realize just how sinful we really are, without actually paying attention to the “devil in the detail”.

How do you define sin? Is it only acknowledged as sin if (or when) you are caught and found guilty, or do you act upon the conviction and seek forgiveness, after having committed a sinful act? We are called to live holy lives, for Christ is holy and we cannot have the mind of Christ if we continue to live in sin.

God is very clear about those who will not inherit the kingdom and the way I see it, none of us will make it to heaven, accept through His grace, for we have all sinned and fall short of His glory.

There are many ways to confess your sins, through practicing certain rituals, as is the case with most religions, but only one way to repent and be forgiven and that is to bring your burdens, sorrows and iniquities before the cross.

Regardless of the magnitude of your sinful nature, there is nothing that cannot be forgiven, if we truly repent and turn away from that which is stealing our peace. Let today be a day of mourning if you have unrepented sin, in order to rejoice tomorrow, knowing that the Lord has set you free from the bondage of sin!

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by “The Lockman Foundation“