Text: Psalm 32
Both David (the writer of Psalm 32) and the younger brother recognize the challenging road of examining the heaviness and utter despair of their present circumstances. Both realize they’re lost and can’t take the easy road home. However, when the psalmist acknowledges and confesses his sin to the Lord, his trespass is forgiven (Psalm 32.5). Likewise the younger brother in the parable, when he realizes his folly and returns with a contrite heart, his father runs out to forgive him (Luke 15.18-22).
But the parable of the prodigal doesn’t end with the younger brother. It ends in suspense as we’re unsure if the older brother remains callus and never attends the party, if he honors his father by attending but does so begrudgingly, or if he forgives his younger brother and celebrates his return. No genuine examination, confession, or repentance seems to take place and all signs point to a resentful and stone cold heart.
Forgiveness and reconciliation with God require we acknowledge our need to be “found” as we head down the road called repentance. We must swallow our pride and confess where we went wrong.
As you welcome the Lord into your day, use the next few minutes to sit in silence allowing God to reveal where you recently went wrong. Confess your sin to God and then reread Psalm 32.5 as you celebrate his forgiveness.
