Reflection: Internal and eternal

“Keep pervading every bit of me.

Scrutinize my intentions and desires.

Deal with my disquieting thoughts,

Deal with any idolatrous or offensive thing that comes between you and me,

My steadfast guide and protector, now and into eternity.”

Author’s paraphrase of Psalm 139:23-24

Known. The more face-to-face we come with God—rehearsing his character, his purposes, ways and means—the more we also face ourselves.

We acknowledge with shame the sins we have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty, provoking most justly your wrath and indignation against us. (An Australian Prayer Book).

But, for neither David nor us does this psalm end with a guilty dirge or a repeated whine for mercy. We’re not left scavenging for crumbs under the king’s table. We’re not left facing shame and the curse of death. David knew forgiveness. And we know eternal forgiveness. Thanks be to God!

As Sam Allberry, British pastor, apologist and author wrote, “…The resurrection of Jesus—and…only the resurrection proves that our sins have been fully dealt with, that death is no longer our destination but a gateway to perfect, endless life… By dying and rising for us, the Son has closed the deal. In raising him from the dead, the Father has signed for it.”

Prayer:

Thank you, merciful Father, for forgiveness past and future; for new life in Christ, now and into eternity. Fill me with your Spirit. Make my life a transparent and triumphant anthem to your praise and glory. Amen.