Nougat 9

Hi there, do we need a heart transplant? Please receive Today’s Holy Nougat

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalms 51:17 NIV

It’s interesting to note that David sees brokenness as part of his response to his own sin. And not just any old response; but it is a sacrificial one. This is significant for a sacrifice within the context used and in general biblically refers to “eating the flesh … in which the god of the clan shared … [that included] blood and fat pieces.” (Biblehub.com; Brown-Driver-Briggs commentary). Yet, David offers his spirit in sacrifice.

When we consider the descriptors for the sacrifice we see that although it is the heart (and spirit) that is offered; the state is broken and crushed by remorse. And therein lies the secret for it being sacrificial. For it is not so easy for us A) admit our wrongdoing and move towards accepting our responsibility and the accompanying consequences.

It is at that point our sacrifice becomes real; for we have operatively offered our ‘flesh’ nature (remember our previous reflections this week) in such a state that it is as a burnt offering. (Of course if it’s been burned, broken or crushed; then it ought not be able to revert to former ways).

And that’s what makes our genuine remorse acceptable to God. For when we really and readily recognize our guilt (sin), we do not wish to repeat the behavior anymore. Is there a need for us to repent of any sins or to sacrifice our spirit to God? We are encouraged to offer ourselves in like manner by Paul in Romans 12:1-2. In fact, Paul then explain that sacrifice of our spirit results in transformation.

Ironically it is by the power of God’s Spirit that we are able to sacrifice our spirits. It is almost a transfer. Our stony hearts get replaced by God’s (Ezekiel 36:26-27). So, the question again, do we need a heart transplant?

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May all we seek be found in Christ