Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

Scripture reading: Psalm 51

Where does a broken soul go to find cleansing, balm, hope? The foil to the sin of sloth is to turn to Jesus Christ with the kind of open, honest pleading that we hear from David in Psalm 51. Here there is finally not only a sincere repentance, but also an earnest request for joy and gladness, for a clean heart, a right spirit, the power of the Holy Spirit. David wants a clean slate, but also a new kind of life.

God the Father is remaking His children in the image of our elder brother, Jesus Christ. Here is a Man full of energy and passion. His heart breaks over the brokenness of the world, weeps over Jerusalem, becomes angry in the temple, embraces children in his arms, engages his imagination in the telling of powerful parables. He is truly “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53). He was fully engaged in His calling, alert and responsive to the Scriptures, never indifferent to people’s needs or disinterested in our affairs.

This is your Lord and Savior. Look to Him and follow His lead.

Suggestions for prayer

“If traces of Christ’s love-artistry be upon me, may He work on with His divine brush, until the complete image be obtained, and I be made a perfect copy of Him, my Master.” – The Valley of Vision: The Love of Jesus

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Mark Stewart serves the Burlington URC in Burlington, WA.