March 29, 2025
Today’s Reading: Introit for Lent 4 – Psalm 51:2-6; antiphon: Psalm 51:1
Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:1-27; Mark 11:1-19
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me… Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:3, 5)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Taking stock of yourself and how you talk about yourself are important. Counselors, internet celebrities, and self-care specialists will tell you that. However, Christians are not left to themselves for how they consider themselves or how they describe themselves. God tells us about ourselves in Scripture, including in Psalm 51. However, these words don’t come with a lot of positivity. In fact, many people would say that it isn’t helpful to focus on our transgressions, sins, and iniquities. Confessing that we have been sinful since our conception, even before our birth, doesn’t line up with “the power of positive thinking.”
The power of positive thinking, healthy self-talk, or self-awareness won’t save you. The Lord confronts you with your sin, and denying the totality of your sin is simply living in denial. Don’t deny your sin. Don’t ignore it and pretend like it isn’t that bad. Scripture is true, and this God-given confession addresses the reality of your sin. The invitation to stand before the Lord and confess your sin is a powerful one. 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is faithful to you, and that’s why recognizing and confessing your sinfulness isn’t depressing.
Your faithful and just God comes to you with forgiveness and cleansing. How you describe yourself isn’t nearly as important as the transformation the Lord brings for you. After all, Scripture also teaches us to beg God to wash us from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. This is no empty prayer or optimistic hope. This is a faithful prayer that recognizes God’s power to heal, save, and forgive. That’s exactly what He does for you. Your sin is terrible, horrific, and pervasive— and the Lord Jesus has forgiven your sin by grace through faith. Rejoice in God, who hears your prayer and cleanses you from all your sin and sinfulness! Take comfort in the fact that the Lord your God has forgiven your sin and cleansed you from all unrighteousness!
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Though great our sins, yet greater still Is God’s abundant favor; His hand of mercy never will Abandon us, nor waver. Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. (LSB 607:5)
-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.
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