Ash Wednesday
Scripture: Psalm
32:1-7
Psalm 32 is one of the Penitential Psalms.[1]
Notice the way that it speaks of the need for forgiveness and repentance, and
even models confession and absolution. This psalm reminds us how blessed we are
to be forgiven and encourages us, on account of that forgiveness, to not hide
our sins but to confess them and to receive the benefits of confession. This
psalm fits with the other readings for this week as it reveals the remedy for
the times that we fall into temptation, that is, the forgiveness of sins God
graciously gives to those who trust him.
Teaching
Luther writes regarding confession, “Note, then, as I have
often said, that confession consists of two parts. The first is our work and
act, when I lament my sin and desire comfort and restoration for my soul. The
second is a work that God does, when he absolves me of my sins, through the
Word placed on the lips of another person.”[2]
He adds, “We should therefore take care to keep the two parts clearly separate.
We should set little value on our work but exalt and magnify God’s Word. We
should not go to confession as if we wanted to perform a magnificent work to
present to God, but simply to accept and receive something from him.”
Again Luther comments, “Therefore, when I exhort you to go
to confession, I am doing nothing but exhorting you to be a Christian. … For
those who really want to be upright Christians and free from their sins, and
who want to have a joyful conscience, truly hunger and thirst already [to confess
their sins and receive God’s forgiveness].”
Life
I was once asked why our worship services always begin with
confession and absolution, didn’t I understand how depressing it is to be
reminded of our sin? We look at this matter differently, however, and would
ask, “Don’t you know what a joy it is and how blessed we are when our sins are
forgiven?” Luther wrote, “If you are a Christian, you should be glad to run
more than a hundred miles for confession….” This is because of how precious God’s
forgiveness is and how great our need is for the burden of our sin to be
removed from us by Jesus himself who died that we might have this precious
gift.
Prayer
Use Psalm 32:1-7 to guide you prayer today. Pray that the
Holy Spirit would lead you into a time of contemplation of your sin and ask him
to lead you to confess your sins to the one who loved you so much that he died
for you. Pray for deeper joy and a sense of blessing that your sins are
forgiven in Christ. Ask for God to help you rejoice in his forgiveness and to
be confident in all he has done to save you. Pray for protection from
temptation and sin, and ask for that protection for your family, friends,
pastor, congregation, and even your enemies.
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