Three images of results

March 21, 2021 (Sunday)

 

After giving us four beautiful word pictures of forgiveness, David asks for three things to accompany that forgiveness. Let’s listen in as David prays them.

 

In Psalm 51:10, David prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [ESV] In Hebrew poetry ideas are “rhymed.” A clean heart is equated to a right spirit. The idea of “right” is that of a faithful or loyal spirit. The idea of heart is where the decisions are made. The idea of spirit is the will to do.

 

After the forgiveness something new has to fill the vacuum. If God removes sinful behavior something must take its place or there is an opportunity for disaster. Speaking about a person delivered from an evil spirt, Jesus states, “Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” [Luke 11:26 ESV] Having a clean heart, David asks for right (loyal, faithful) spirit to replace the rebellion he has acted upon.

 

David then prays, “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” [Psalm 51:11 ESV] David understands the terror of what happens if God removes the Holy Spirit. Historically he watched King Saul descend into madness when God removed His Spirit. What rushed into the void was an evil spirit. David pleads with God to not let this happen.

 

The last thing David prays for is, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” [Psalm 51:12 ESV] As we experience the joy of salvation we are drawn to do everything in our ability, even risking beyond, to love God and others. I sometimes wonder if the fruit of the Holy Spirit is not progressive in nature. First we love God, which leads to joy, which sets our mind and heart at peace, etc…

 

A clean heart plus God’s presence plus the joy of salvation (given by God) are all part of God’s transforming grace and infinite mercy. Removing the transgressions (rebellion), iniquity (perversity, depravity), and sin (offense with a penalty) requires substitution. That substitution is a right spirit, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and a willing spirit. This is the kind of image that will knock your shoes off.

 

Wherever you are; if you are “born again,” filled with the Holy Spirit, you are standing on holy ground. Each step you take, you step from holy ground to holy ground.