Sacrifice

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. – Psalm 51.16-17

David had fallen into deep, dark sin. He had committed adultery. He had lied. He had deceived. He had committed murder.

And the prophet Nathan had confronted him with his sin.

To which David had responded ‘I am the man.’

Psalm 51 is David’s response and his confession of his sin. There is a lot there, but this I was caught this time through by the whole aspect of sacrifice.

Sacrifices are a part of a many religions. They vary greatly. Almost anything can be sacrificed in an attempt to appease the various deities of various religions. Even the Law required various sacrifices to the true God.

But that is not what God is looking for from David. David knew that is not what God wanted. He says that if God desired a sacrifice he would do it.

What then does God want from David? David knew, and it is the same thing He wants from us when we sin. Go sacrifice is a broken and humble spirit and a broken and sorry heart.

When we sin today God doesn’t require penance or punishment or payment. He wants us to humble ourselves, be broken over our sin, repent, and ‘go and sin no more.’ Jesus has already taken our penalty. Our loving Father just wants us to be right in our walk with Him.