Psalm 130: 3-5
If you, Lord, kept a record of guilt, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is pardon, so you are feared. I wait for the Lord. My soul waits, and in his word I have put my hope.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for these words of comfort and the reminder of your love and forgiveness for us. Jesus took that record of guilt into himself. Paul wrote, “but he emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant. When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.” And because you punished Jesus—your Son, our Savior—for our sins, that record is swiped clean, and you have pardoned us. All this you make possible for those who love and trust you. The control you demonstrated by not just destroying us and starting over completely, even though that is what we deserved; for this, we fear you with reverent fear and awe. Because Jesus suffered for our sins, he has removed them forever and reunited us with you.
Therefore, we wait and wander in this wilderness until our traveling is complete and we are home with you. Our souls eagerly await in anticipation for that day; Lord, keep us in your word and do not let the world take our hope of salvation and the peace of forgiveness. While we traverse this wilderness, grant us opportunities to share the good news of Jesus’ death on the cross and his forgiveness with those who do not believe in him so that we might serve them with the hope we have in you. Moreover, we can add to the number of those waiting with us until we are called home. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God has pardoned all your guilt and shame through the suffering and death of his one and only Son. How do we receive the gift? By faith alone in your Savior, Jesus, know your sins are pardoned, and your slate is wiped clean.