09/16/2021
We can endure a great deal when our spirit is washed in the blood of Christ, and is found to be healthy. In its fullness of vitality and strength, we can withstand our infirmities, but if we find that our spirit is crushed, or more precisely, mortally wounded by sin, then we will certainly be unable to help ourselves.
“A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”
Proverbs 18:14 ESV
Once we find that we have sinned, are we repentant, contrite, and seeking redemption? Are we asking God’s forgiveness in the name of Jesus as a healing ointment for our ailing spirit? Let’s look at ourselves today, and determine the condition of our spirit. Are we leaning on the Lord in righteousness with a spirit that is not broken by sin, but broken in a much different way; as a result of our humble repentance? One hopes so, but if we find that we are crushed by our sin then we need what only Jesus can provide us… true redemption, and forgiveness.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14 ESV
Perhaps we have looked inward today, and are uncertain of our condition, sometimes our spirits are crushed by a sin that we have been blinded to by the world, and behind this veil we think in our minds that we are sin free when in fact there is a nagging sadness in us that we can’t quite overcome, a masked sin which prevents our spirit from being healed, and us from receiving the joy and peace we long for.
““If anyone sins, doing any of the things that by the Lord’s commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, then realizes his guilt, he shall bear his iniquity.”
Leviticus 5:17 ESV
We know that Jesus was without sin, and most certainly humble, but He had no reason to be contrite because He was without sin, and willingly obeyed the will of God, so as we read the verse below then who is it actually referring to? Who is trembling at His word? Well, God is speaking of us and is including Jesus because He abides in us. It is wonderful to think that God looks to us, but for that to occur we must be righteous, humble, contrite, and fear God as we tremble, and seek to adhere to His Word… we must be free of sin.
“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 66:2 ESV
Now that we have asked for and received forgiveness, and our spirits are humbled, it is time for us to offer them to God as a sacrifice of love and adoration. In the course of our spiritual lives have we personally sacrificed to God, and if not, should we be sacrificing? We know that Jesus offered Himself for us, and that He is the perfect and complete sacrifice offered once, snd for all, but as we pick up our cross to follow Him is there an image of His suffering that we can also imitate with an offering as we seek to be like Him? Yes, we can offer God our humbled spirit, not crushed by sin, but broken by our remorse, and contrition; a spirit made clean by the blood of Christ, and yet humbled as we have asked for mercy, and forgiveness. A spirit made meek in our regret, and laid in complete submission before the throne. Listen as Psalm 51 speaks of this…
“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Psalm 51:16-17 ESV
So Jesus offered His entire self to redeem us, but we can offer something too, we can offer our heart, and our spirit, to God as a personal Christ-like sacrifice… this is in realization of our heartfelt desire to humble ourselves completely before Him; not crushed by sin, but a spirit that is broken in a holy manner. Are we ready to repair the crushed nature of our spirit, seek righteous, and offer this, our humbled heart, to God?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who taught us lessons regarding sin, humility, righteousness, and sacrifice. Thank you for His life, death, and resurrection that now walk us through a proper relationship with you, and which gives us a living example of faith that continues on in us to this day. Thank you for your mercy and grace that repairs our crushed spirits and humbles us as we kneel before you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God to whom we surrender ourselves completely. Praised be your name Father for every hidden sin revealed to us, and for each one you have forgiven us as we pray to you in contrition, and feverishly ask for your forgiveness. You are merciful Lord and have loved us despite our sin; now accept our hearts, and spirits, which are humbled and broken by our sincere remorse, and repentance, as we seek righteousness, and a relationship with you through Jesus. Wash us clean in the blood of your Son Jesus Christ; give us your joy, and seat us at your table forevermore.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
Rich Forbes