Today’s Reading, Psalms 103-105
Focal Scripture: Psalms 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Imagery and word choices can convey biblical truth in astounding ways. One of the most powerful images we find is in today’s scripture. It has to do with sin and just how far God removes it when we come to him and get forgiveness. The image that is used is that sins will be removed and forgotten just as far as the east is from the west.
We know that the east and west will never meet. They are in complete opposition to each other. No matter how hard you try they will never run into one another and they will never cross paths. The implication behind the scripture today is that God removes our sin in the same way. Once our sin is forgiven it will not be brought up again by God. He will not hold it over you to punish you. It will be removed from your account and not show up in God’s reminders. Not just forgiveness but he also forgets.
Why is this important in the life of a believer? It is important because we often hold onto our sin. I am not sure if you struggle with that but I know I do personally. I will seek the Lord’s forgiveness for a sin I commit. Then instead of realizing that the one who has the authority to judge me has forgotten about it, I keep bringing it up. I struggle with knowing that the sin is truly forgiven. The problem with that thinking is it implies I have a sin in my life that is too big for God. Something he must hold onto and never forget.
The challenge that we have as believers is to trust the words and actions of the Lord. He said that he would forgive our sin and remember it no more. Since that is true according to scripture we have to learn how to live in that truth. Since God forgives and forgets we must learn to do the same with ourselves.
In my experience this only happens when we view God correctly and don’t elevate ourselves to have higher standards than him. What I mean by that is we can’t act like our justice and standards are higher than the Lord’s and often we do when it comes to personal sin.
So the challenge I have for you and I both today is this, trust the word of the Lord. When we give him our sin it’s forgiven and forgotten. We need to live in that peace and truth. He doesn’t hold it over us and will not bring it back up again. We have a clean slate with our creator. Our sin will never be remembered.
Let us rest in this truth. God forgives and forgets. God knows what we need and demonstrates the perfect view of his forgiveness and heart. Let us bask in his wondrous character.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Psalms 106-107
