Teaching a Sinner

Scripture:
Make me to know Your ways, O Lord;
    teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
    for You are the God of my salvation;
    on You I wait all the day.
Remember Your mercies, O Lord, and Your lovingkindness,
    for they are from old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
    or my transgressions;
According to Your lovingkindness remember me,
    on account of Your goodness, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore He will teach sinners in the way.
The meek will He guide in judgment,
    and the meek He will teach His way.
All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth,
    for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity,
    for it is great

Psalms 25: 4-11

Observation: In asking for love and teaching, the psalmist repeatedly asks God to lead and teach him, through his mercy and his love, and then says ... God will teach sinners.

Application: In my pride, when I first read this I thought "that's what I want, for God to teach me, and isn't it great that God will teach sinners too." Then I realized my arrogance ... I am the sinner. I have sinned so much, I don't even remember all my sins. It is only by God's love that he is able to offer me his word and provide me guidance and instruction. It is by that love that God also has forgotten my sin, through the redemptive death of Jesus. And it is only when I humble myself in meekness and humility - when I understand these truths about myself - that God will truly be able to work within me to bring about a changed heart, a clear understanding, and true mercies.

Prayer: Lord, I am a sinner. I am the leper at your feet. Please forgive me sins, and give me a pure heart. As Jesus is my Lord, please teach me your word. Imprint it on my heart, embed it in my soul, and keep it ever before my eyes so that I may better understand and humbly walk with you daily. I ask you take my hand and lead me. Amen.