Written by Dawn Rutan
Some time back I was reading Nehemiah where Ezra is reading the Book of the Law to the people, and these verses caught my attention: “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep… And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:9-10 ESV). When the people heard the law, they were convicted of their sin and their natural response was mourning, but Nehemiah told them they had reason to rejoice. His words are reminiscent of David’s experience some 500 years earlier—“David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.’” (2 Samuel 12:13). After which David wrote, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2).
From my own experience and things I’ve read from many different authors, I think we all have a tendency to hang onto guilt longer than we need to. We know that God’s forgiveness is available and is freely given to all who confess, and yet we can’t let go of the mourning and turn to celebration.
When the woman was caught in adultery, Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). He didn’t scold her or give her penance to do. He simply released her from guilt so she could have a fresh start. She could have been stoned to death for her sin, but instead she was set free. I have no doubt she celebrated that day.
Although a contrite attitude could indicate that we think our sin is too big to be forgiven, I wonder if the bigger problem is that we think we can contribute something to our forgiveness? Our view of sin is too small—we don’t realize that every sin is worthy of death. How can a person on death row do anything to earn forgiveness? We deserve death just as much as the woman caught in adultery, yet we are forgiven because of Jesus’ death on our behalf. That should be reason enough to rejoice! To remain mournful when God has delivered us from death is to say that His forgiveness isn’t good enough. Are we questioning His power, mercy, love, and authority?
I shared this quote on Facebook as it related to the sermon we heard this Sunday, but it’s worth revisiting:
“I cannot imagine the depth of love the Savior had for us in those moments of extreme suffering—unfathomable love causing Him to choose moment after agonizing moment to subject himself to what He could have ended. Thanks be to God that Jesus persevered till the task was completed! With His last breath He exclaimed, It is finished, and committed His spirit to the Father, dying in our place” (Marci Julin, When You Can’t Trust His Heart, 87).
So as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, may we all remember the greatest reason to give thanks—
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 3:16, 15:11).
© 2016 Dawn Rutan. The views stated may or may not reflect the beliefs of the pastor or leadership of Dulin’s Grove Church.
