Nathan
replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin.” (v.13)
There's a story about a boy whose father pounded a nail in the
barn door every time the boy did something wrong. Soon there were many nails.
Then one day the boy accepted Christ as Savior and began living for Him. To
impress upon his son the wonder of being forgiven, the father took him to the
barn and pulled out every nail from the door. "That is what it means to
have all your sins forgiven," he said. "They are gone forever."
The boy was deeply impressed. Then looking at the door he asked,
"But Father, how can I get rid of the holes?" "I'm sorry,"
said the father, "but they will remain."
All sin carries a price tag. Its consequences may range from
minor to major, but the bill always comesdue. The psalmist David paid dearly
for committing adultery with Bathsheba and engineering her husband's death to
cover up his sin. Guilt sapped his strength (Ps. 32:3-4). Even though he
confessed his sin, and God "removed the nail," David carried with him
a deep sorrow (vv.15-17).
Even though we have to live with the consequences of sin, we
who trust in Christ (as the sacrifice for our sins), can rejoice in His
forgiveness.
The Truth
“If we
confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
