Today's Reading: The Small Catechism: Confession
Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. (2 Samuel 11:27b)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The effort that King David expended to cover his sin is staggering. That level of deceit took a lot of thought and planning and the cold way in which he reacted to the news of Uriah's death is sickening.
Of course, we would never be like David, would we? You know that is a lie. You are an adulterer, you who look at another lustfully. You are a murderer, you who destroy the reputation of others with your gossip. You are a deceiver, you who put the blame on others for your own sin.
The things you have done displease the LORD. So what is there to do?
"What is confession? Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven."
This is not some new idea flowing Martin Luther's imagination. As you read the account of how God dealt with David's sin in 2 Samuel 12, you see that Confession and Absolution has been God's way all along. God sent a pastor to King David. Nathan the prophet preached God's Word to David and it worked repentance and confession from David's lips. And Pastor Nathan spoke Absolution to David: "The LORD has also put away your sin; you shall not die." Forgiveness as from God Himself.
So it is for you. God uses your pastor to deliver the goods: repentance and forgiveness. Release from guilt, shame and death in the words of Absolution. How do you know it's true? It is as sure as Jesus' cross-death and resurrection. As sure as the nail marks in His living hands and feet and the spear mark in His pierced side. As sure as the water flowing on you and the Triune Name of God spoken over you in Baptism. The LORD has put away your sin; you shall not die. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Lord, on You I cast my burden -- sink it in the deepest sea! Let me know your gracious pardon, cleanse me from iniquity. Let your Spirit leave me never; make me only Yours forever. Amen. ("Lord to You I Make Confession" LSB 608, st. 4)
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor René Castillero
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