THE LORD ALSO HATH PUT AWAY THY SIN

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

AUGUST 1

 

2 Samuel 12:13

The LORD also hath put away thy sin;

 
David first committed adultery, then made Uriah drunk, then planned his murder, then ascribed it to divine providence, and lay comparatively careless under the whole for several months.
 
At length he is aroused from his lethargy, and then he humbly confesses his transgressions unto the Lord.
 
His confession was preceded by conviction, it was attended with compunction, it was confirmed by supplication, and it was crowned with forgiveness.
 
“The Lord hath put away thy sin.”
 
Sin appears before God pleading against the sinner.
 
The advocate appears also opposing it.
 
He prevails, and God pardons the grievous offender.
 
His sin is so forgiven, as to be forgotten. This is pardoning like a God.
 
Observe, the man that frankly and honestly confesses his sins, will find that God fully and freely pardons.
 
If God casts your sins behind his back, you will often place them before your face, in order to humble you, to preserve you from turning again to folly, and to inspire you with gratitude and love.
 
So did David, he says, “My sin is ever before me.”
 
Pardoned sinners, are always sorry for sin, afraid of sin, and watchful against sin.
 

Jesus, giver of contrition,

Giver thou of pardon are;

Wound me, O my kind physician,

Break, and then bind up my heart.

 
James Smith