Today we continue our contrasting of King Saul with King David. Friends, what God desires from each of us is true brokenness, not self-justification and not even penance. God requires a broken and contrite heart. In the Book of Matthew Jesus launched His Sermon on the Mount with ‘the beatitudes’. The first beatitude rings a powerful truth: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (5:3). As we will see, those who desire to enter into the kingdom of heaven must have an attitude like David, not Saul.

 Concerning sin in our lives, we must own-up to our spiritual poverty. We must confess our unworthiness. We must acknowledge the sin-rags that clothe us. Brokenness is the right response to our sins. Where there is no sorrow over sin there is no genuine repentance. Those who have not recognized their spiritual poverty and need for grace will not inherit the Kingdom. If we are not broken-hearted over our sins then what need is there for a Saviour? Only those with who embrace the shame of their transgressions can share in the glory of the cross.
 
Those who cry out ‘woe is me!’ will find God to be gracious in blotting-out their transgressions. Rather than expecting us to make up for our sins through good works (which none of us can ever do) the Father sent His Son to atone for our sin-debt by dying in our place.
 
Friends, the question is not ‘are we sinners’… We are! Both Saul and David were sinners, yet one was broken over his sins and the other was not. One was a man after God’s own heart and the other was rebellious. As you look at the sin in your life, ask yourself: ‘Has my response to God been like Saul, or David?’
 
Justifying sinful actions is a waste of time. We must own-up to every speck of sin in our lives and we must plead to God for mercy and grace. It is when we are spiritually broken that God will heal. God exchanges our filthy rags with the clothes of righteousness of His Son. God’s desire is to make us clean, and keep us clean! It is only when we confess with bitter tears of brokenness that the sweet blood of Jesus can cover our sin. Are you like Saul, or are you like David? The choice is yours.
 
Best wishes
Bill