April 7

Morning

How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah — Ps 4:2 BSB

A thoughtful writer once made a sorrowful list of the “honors” that the blind-hearted people of Israel bestowed upon their long-awaited King.

1. They gave Him a procession of honor, with Roman soldiers, Jewish priests, men, and women all participating—while He carried His own cross. This was the triumph the world gave to the One who came to defeat humanity’s greatest enemies. His only cheers were mocking jeers, and His only praise was cruel taunts.

2. They presented Him with a “wine of honor.” Instead of a golden cup filled with fine wine, they offered Him the stupefying drink of a condemned criminal, which He refused so that He could fully experience the bitter taste of death. Later, when He cried out, “I thirst,” they gave Him vinegar mixed with gall, thrust to His mouth on a sponge. Oh, the miserable, despicable hospitality shown to the King’s Son!

3. They provided Him with a “guard of honor,” who showed their regard for Him by gambling for His garments, which they had taken as their prize. Such was the bodyguard of the adored One of heaven—a group of brutal gamblers.

4. A “throne of honor” was found for Him on the bloody cross; no easier place of rest would rebellious humanity offer to their rightful Lord. The bloody cross was the ultimate expression of how the world felt about Christ! It was as if they were saying, “O Son of God, this is how we would treat God Himself—if we could reach Him!”

5. His title of honor was “King of the Jews,” but the blinded nation rejected it outright, calling Him instead “King of thieves” by choosing Barabbas over Him and placing Jesus in the highest place of shame—between two criminals.

His glory was turned into shame by the sons of men, but one day it will shine in all its splendor, bringing joy to the eyes of saints and angels forever!

Evening

Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. — Ps 51:14 BSB

In David’s solemn confession, it is noteworthy that he calls his sin by its true name. He doesn’t soften it by calling it manslaughter or an unfortunate mistake that led to the death of an innocent man. No, he calls it what it is—bloodshed. Though David didn’t personally kill Uriah, he orchestrated events so that Uriah would be killed, making him guilty of murder before the Lord.

Learn to be honest in your confession before God. Don’t try to use soft words for harsh sins. You can call them what you will, but they won’t smell any sweeter. What God sees in your sin, you must also acknowledge, and with a heart full of sincerity, call it by its real name.

Notice also that David was deeply burdened by the weight of his sin. It’s easy to say the right words, but it’s much harder to feel their true meaning. Psalm 51 is the portrait of a truly contrite heart. Let us seek after that same brokenness, for no matter how right our words may sound, if our hearts do not feel the weight of our sin’s guilt, we cannot expect to find forgiveness.

The verse contains an earnest prayer, directed to the God of salvation. It is His prerogative to forgive, for it is His very name and office to save those who seek Him. Even better, David calls Him “the God of my salvation.” Yes, blessed be His name, while I am still seeking Him through the blood of Jesus, I can rejoice in the God of my salvation.

Finally, the psalmist makes a commendable vow. If God delivers him, he will sing—yes, he will sing aloud! How else could someone sing of such great mercy? But notice the theme of his song—“Your righteousness.” We must sing of the finished work of our precious Savior, and those who know the most of God’s forgiving love will always sing the loudest!