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Psalm 106:40-48
Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He gave them into the hands of the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD.

Psalm 106 is a history of Israel’s rebellion and the consequences for their sin. This psalm is a reminder that God always takes sin seriously. God delivered Israel many times but “they were bent on rebellion.” They received the consequences of their actions.

Sin cannot be excused or explained away. It not only impacts us but also those around us. We must be as serious about sin as God is. The apostle John reminds us, that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives based on His great love.

Today you can know God’s complete pardon. He waits to embrace you with grace. Whatever you have done, however long you have done it, regardless of how far you have wandered away, God is ready to forgive and restore. You need not clean yourself up before coming to Him. You can’t! God alone is the Cleanser. “’Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).  It’s time to leave your sin and come home.

Father, show me the path home. Give me strength to make the journey back. Let me feel Your embrace of grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.