May 19, 2023 -- Psalm 26:1-3 -- Psalm series: vindicated to walk in integrity

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

OF DAVID.
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.
For Your steadfast love is before my eyes,
   and I walk in Your faithfulness.
Psalm 26:1-3 ESV

It is tough when a newspaper or a news website makes a big, splashy story about some wrong-doing, and only afterwards finds their reporting was inaccurate. Rather than posting their retraction with another big, splashy story, it is usually a small, hard to find by-line or footnote. So that person's reputation remains damaged. 

King David is pleading to the LORD that his name will be cleared of suspicion and that he be set free from his wrong-doing. He has done wrong. We are aware of many of his failings as a King, as a husband, and as a father. Notice the basis on which he makes this plea— “I walk in Your faithfulness”. And at verse 6 he goes around God's altar. The LORD our God saves sinners. No one is blameless. No one can stand before Jesus and say, “I really don’t need You to make me right with God the Holy One.” So how can David ever be vindicated and declared to be a man of integrity?

The LORD has provided Jesus, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. The LORD has opened up the way to Himself. That way is open to the one who is humble of heart and trembles at God’s word (Isaiah 66:2). When our sins have been exposed we can either try to justify ourselves, explain them away, or we can humble ourselves, confess our sins, turn away from them, and find rest in God our Savior. This is why David is vindicated. He has made humble confession and then, as one forgiven, walks not with the people who mask their sins, continue to sin, or justify away their sins, David associates with those who trust in the LORD.

Dearly loved people of God, turn to Jesus. The Father has given you His steadfast love. He has made the way open to Himself through the reconciling blood of Jesus. As those who are humble and tremble at His word, receive the blessing of God and by the power of the Spirit walk as those who bless the LORD and keep company with those who bless the LORD.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for Your steadfast love given to us in Jesus Christ. Thank You that as often as our sins are exposed and our weaknesses revealed, You clear our name and reveal Your great glory by forgiving us on the basis of Jesus' accomplished work. Mighty Father, send Your Spirit to surround us and keep us walking in the path of integrity for that is where we find deep and lasting joy with You. Amen.

https://youtu.be/zC2ijvujYN8 Psalm 26 Song Jason Silver

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