No matter how mature we get, we’ll always need the blood of Jesus to cover us. No matter how much progress we make in sanctification, we’ll never outgrow our need for the cross.
Sometimes David almost sounds like he considers himself sinless:
Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
test my heart and my mind. (PS 26:1-2)
David sounds supremely self-confident. “Hey Lord, I walk in integrity and trust you without deviating. Go ahead, check me out, prove me, right down to my heart and mind. He goes on…
I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O LORD,
proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds. (6,7)
Apparently David didn’t ever have an argument with his wife on the way to church. And he’s the perfect worshiper, lifting his innocent hands in praise as he walks around the altar. At this point, I have to say David, I can’t relate to you buddy. But then in verse 11 he makes this stunning statement:
But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
redeem me, and be gracious to me. (11)
Though he tries his best to walk in integrity, David still cries out to the Lord for redemption and grace. He doesn’t deserve God’s blessing, but needs to be redeemed. He doesn’t merit God’s kindness, but asks God to be gracious.
God declares all of us who trust in Christ to be righteous. He produces integrity in us, he helps us trust and praise him. But we never outgrow our need for redemption, for the blood of our Mediator to speak to God on our behalf. We never outgrow our need to come to the throne of grace for mercy and help in time of need.
Photo by Ed Yourdon
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks Christina!
"He doesn’t merit God’s kindness, but asks God to be gracious." Gracious to the one who trusts in the righteousness of the Christ to come?
You're right Petra…the OT saints looked forward to Christ!