Serious laymen, pastors, members of the episcopacy…all are vulnerable in a world where we, comfortably ensconced in our dens and offices, can quietly and cheaply open up the vile but enticing world of internet pornography to the delight of our eyes.
And this too often leads to other things, as well.
But sexual temptation, and the actual transgression, are hardly new. Neither is the cry from our hearts that prevents a woeful scenario.
King David saw a woman he wanted, called her to his bed and set in motion a whir of sin and cover-up that led to murder, a baby’s death, a crippled reign and, ultimately, to a nation divided.
In the middle of his repentance David sang something that we shouldn’t forget. Psalm 51… a song in four movements.
One – blot out, wash away, cleanse, wash, blot out…my sin. (51:1-9).
Two – create in me, renew, restore, grant me…that which will make a holy difference. (51:10-12)
Three – then I will teach, sing, declare…You and Your ways. (51:13-15)
Four – then I will worship with…a broken spirit, a contrite heart, with righteous sacrifices as we build up the walls of Jerusalem. (51:16-19)
But it is a small phrase in the middle of Movement Two that is most interesting to me. “Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
David had witnessed what happens when God takes away His Spirit.
Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul,
and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. (I Sam. 16:14)
From that point, Saul loses it…his composure, his sanity, his nation, his life. And David saw it all first hand. And so he exclaims…
“Oh, God! DO NOT TAKE your Holy Spirit from me. For I have seen what happens when that Spirit leaves a man. Restore to me the joy of your salvation!”
What did David really desire after his sin? The Spirit that stays. A very nice desire.
“Lord, that last ‘Oh, God!’ prayer is my prayer too. Spirit, stay. Amen.”
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