Crucified Hearts

In Psalm 25, King David, asked for forgiveness, freedom from shame, deliverance from his enemies, for he is lonely, afflicted, troubled, and distressed.

He appeals to the Lord’s graciousness, his steadfast love, even his friendship, and faithfulness. He is determined to wait on God and yearns for his presence as the deliverer of his people.

Remember, this is a public plea from the King of Israel, a psalm sung by choirs of priests as they led God’s covenant people in worship.

It is meant not only as a private prayer but a corporate plea, one that the people of God can join in together. Psalm 25 applies today to all, Jew or Gentile, who now understand that they have a mediator in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
— Galatians 3:27-29

While Israel of the Old Covenant worshiped in the Temple in Jerusalem, the Israel of God In the New Covenant, Jews and Gentiles brought together through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, put their faith in Him as their intercessor in the heavenly Temple above (Hebrews 8-10).

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
— Hebrews 4:14-16

The Israel of God today is the church (Galatians 4-6), the called and chosen in Christ, of His one body of whom he is the head, one Spirit, one faith, and one baptism. (Eph. 4:4-6; 2:11-22)

May God in His mercy and grace answer this prayer that we bring to him through the Messiah.

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”
— Hebrews 9:24

Psalm 25

Of David

O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.

Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For your name’s sake, O Lord,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
Who is the man who fears the Lord?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.

Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles