AN EXPOSE' OF YOUR SINS!

Through my years - since college days - I've been a fairly consistent reader of the Bible.  I'm fairly familiar with its stories and characters.

As I was reading in Psalms today, I realized something that had never occurred to me before.  

So many of the psalms are written by David - former king of Israel and Judah. Because of his very significant role in the history of Israel, we know a great deal about this man's life!  We know of his humble beginnings as a shepherd.  We are aware of his courage while protecting his sheep against ferocious wild animals.  We know about his exploit with the giant, Goliath!  We've followed the stories of his courage, strength, and wisdom as a fearless military leader.  

But, we also know of his failures.

• his moral failure with Bathsheba
• his guilt in scheming to have her husband killed in battle
• his failures with his children
• the chaos that ensued among his children
• his leadership failures toward the end of his life.

It occurred to me this morning: How would I like it if my sins, failures and shortcomings were broadcast for anyone and everyone to read?  

I can tell you very quickly that I would not like it!  

Yet we know of the failures of so many biblical figures!  

Lot:

• comes off as selfish when he takes the rich valleys and forces Abraham to go into the mountains
• [After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah] he gets drunk and his daughters sleep with him in order to become pregnant!

Moses: 

• killed an Egyptian and was exiled from Egypt
• threw down the 'Ten Commandments' and broke them
• disobeyed God and was prohibited from entering the 'Promised Land'.  

Jonah:

• ran away as a result of the call of God
• Became angry when the people of Ninevah repented and turned to God

Hosea:

• is instructed by God to marry a prostitute who breaks his heart repeatedly by her wanderings.

Peter:

• reprimanded Jesus and got a surprising response: "Get behind me, Satan!"
• denied knowing Jesus!

There are many more examples that could be shared!  

I suppose we should be grateful that all these quirks are included in the Holy Bible.  They show us that God uses imperfect instruments to get His work done!  They remind us that we are human and that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" [Romans 3:23]. 

Some of us have sinned greatly!  All of us have sinned and live with regrets.  Fortunately for most of us, our sins have not been published for everyone to read! 

God - in His kindness - did not hide the blemishes in His Word!  The Holy Spirit put them all there for the record - on display!  

God can use flawed people!  God does use those who have sinned greatly!  

He transformed the Apostle Paul who “...persecuted the followers of this Way to their death..." [Acts 22:4]. 

And this practice of God's in the Old and New Testaments has not ended!  He STILL converts people from the enemy's camp and uses them for His mighty purposes!  WOO HOO!  Thanks be to God! 

Perhaps your life has been characterized by shameful behavior or sinful, hostile activity.  You are not beyond His reach!  Oh no!  No one is!  He has transformed many of you to shine for His glory!  And He is still the 'Hound of Heaven'!  He's searching high and low, far and wide for those who will surrender to Him and join His life-saving adventure!  

If you've said 'Yes!' to Him - give thanks!

If you've yet to do so - what are you waiting for?  Say 'Yes!' today and then stand back and see what He wants to do through you!  All this, plus eternity too!  A WIN-WIN!