There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. [1 John 1:8-10]
The good news is that God has entered the world through Jesus to restore us to fellowship with Him.
If we admit our sin and guilt, He will take care of it, and welcome us into loving, joyful fellowship with God, Jesus and one another.
But if we refuse, we we deny our need, our guilt, our sin, then we will miss out.
The slave will not seek freedom if he denies his slavery; the cancer patient will not seek treatment is she denies her sickness; the spouse will not seek counseling if they deny that they have marriage problems.
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. [John 9:39-41]
By claiming that they can see, they prove that they are still blind.
If they had admitted their blindness, their need for help, then the Lord’s mercy would have absolved them of their guilt and shame.
God wants to help us, but He cannot help us if we refuse to see it.
God wants to bring us into the joy and love of fellowship with Him, but He cannot give it to us if we do not want it.
God wants to get rid of our sin and shame and guilt, but He cannot do this if we cling to it as good and acceptable.
Now that you claim to see, your guilt remains. [John 9:41]
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]
If you were totally honest with God, and allowed God to be totally honest with you about your heart – what would come out.
Do you feel that you are OK as you are, or do you sense your sin and guilt?
Do you see your sin and guilt like God does, or do you minimize or justify it?
God’s perspective is accurate, ours is biased.
Will you accept God’s perspective, or will you call Him a liar?
Will I even take the time to learn what God’s perspective on my sin is?
It won’t be pleasant, but better to face it now while there is still a chance to repent, than face it on the last day, when it is too late!
PRAYER:
Lord, I have been open to You about my sinful, selfish heart. I know there are things I need to deal with before You, but I have been avoiding it. This has to change, please help me change this!