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A few weeks ago, I accidently tore a tiny piece of cuticle on my fingertip. It wasn’t a big deal, just a little sore and red. A couple days later, I noticed that the tear didn’t seem to be healing. In fact, the pain had increased the red had deepened. Almost a week after the minor injury, when it should have been long since healed, I noticed the color had changed from red to greenish white. Somehow, the tiny wound had become infected. A minor surgery (aka a poke with a very clean needle), the infection came out. Within days, my finger was back to normal. In Psalm 32, we learn that sin works in much the same way. We rebel. We say “no” to God in some seemingly small matter. We are dishonest at work or get into a habit of gossiping. We choose not to include someone different from us. We hold onto our resources with a white-knuckle grip.
We no longer get grounded or lose our phone privileges as children, but actions always have consequences. Sin left unchecked makes us sick from the inside out. David uses vivid imagery to describe the experience: “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.” (vs. 3-4) What’s the remedy? David helps us there as well: “I acknowledged my sin to you…and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Confession is unpleasant. It is humbling to acknowledge our selfishness, our rebellion, and pride. But, we must get the sick out. Only then can we experience the healing our soul desperately needs. God promises to guide us in the way we should go, if we will only listen and obey. Reflection Questions
Click here for today's additional Scripture readings. Grace and Peace. Pastor Stephanie
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