"For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great."
Psalm 25:11
Part 1
Psalm 25, written by David, is an “Acrostic Psalm.”[1] The emphasis in this psalm shows the vast gap between Jehovah’s worthiness, in stark contrast to the worshipper’s unworthiness. In our “Christian” culture today, there is a trend for the individual to see themselves not as “unworthy,” but as self-sufficient, and in need of nothing (see Revelation 3:17-19). To many, Jesus Christ and Bible belief is just an add-on, something that complements the personal reputation and adds an air of respectability to the “follower.” This pseudo-Christianity is only “a form of godliness” with no power or substance to it! Oh, how we desperately need David’s humble attitude today!
David, who we see from his life in the Scriptures, loved God intensely. He is the man, who when God set him up as Israel’s king, called him “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22). David lovingly asked God to keep him as “the apple of the eye,”[2] to be watched by Him, and in His care always (Psalm 17:8). For him to be a man who is so close to the heart of God, are you as surprised as I am by David’s humble claim that his “iniquity is great?” David’s relationship with God does not make him look like a great big sinner, but indeed a great saint. Why then, does David say this about his sin?
“For thy name’s sake.” (a)
David asked Jehovah to forgive his iniquity, not for David’s sake, but for Jehovah’s sake. Humanly, this seems to be backward. Much of “Christianity” today does not believe this about God and His relationship with His child. Many have the misguided idea that life is all about them. In their self-importance, they imagine that they are the hub of God’s universe and that He acts, forgives their sin, and answers their prayer for “their sake.” They believe that they are the most important to Almighty God. This is blatant arrogance on mankind’s part! If we allow it, this seed thought remains in each of us and thrives. It was passed down to every person, from Eden. This conceited attitude lingers in me from my Genesis 3 nature, surely my “old-man” wants to be the king of my life. The Word of God makes the truth about God and man very clearly. There is only one God, and you and I are not Him!
What then does the Bible say about God’s reasoning for taking care of His child? Come back tomorrow, and we will see what God says about it.
Quote: “I do not understand how a man can be a true believer, in whom sin is not the greatest burden, sorrow, and trouble”[3] (John Owen).
[1] E.W. Bullinger, The Companion Bible, the electronic version in eSword. See note on Psalm 24:10.
[2] To the Hebrew way of thinking, the “apple of the eye” is in the eye’s dark spot (pupil) surrounded by the iris. When looking deeply into someone’s eye, a person can see their own reflection as though being inside of the eye of that person. This, they admired dearly and felt closely held and watched. That reflection was also called endearingly, the “little man of the eye.” It is “a picture in miniature of one’s self … seen” there, as when looking in a mirror. (Keil & Delitzsch, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, the electronic version in eSword.)
[3] John Owen’s quote is taken from his commentary, An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Downloaded: Monday, September 28, 2020. From: https://bookroo.com/quotes/sin.