Confess & Restore!

Reading: Numbers 3, 4, 5
My Verse:  "Say to the Israelites, When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess the sin which he has committed, and he shall make restitution for his wrong in full and add a fifth to it, and give it to him whom he has wronged" (5:6, 7).

This is such an enormously important concept!  Oh, LORD God, You leave nothing out when dealing with us.  You know our sinful hearts and You also know our reluctance to own up to our sin.  Here it is pretty plain that we need to  not only confess our sin but seek restoration with those that we sin against!

It really is amazing that this concept has been universally accepted. It has even become step 5 and 8 of the 12 steps to Alcohol Recovery. 
     Step 5:  "Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs." 
     Step 8:  "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to made amends to them."

Oh, LORD God, how we need to realize that only through following Your precepts can we find healing and restoration.  The Alcoholics Anonymous have realized this by including Your very law into their program.  They have realized that only through Your law are we restored.

   "The law of the LORD if perfect, restoring the person; 
          the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
    The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; 
          the commandment of the LORD is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.
    The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
          the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
    More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; 
          they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb.
    Moreover, by them is Your servant warned; 
          and in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7-11).

It is actually becoming a rather popular thing to do.  One hears of celebrities 'fessing up and asking forgiveness for their sins, well they don't actually say "sin"  but basically admit to doing wrong.  There is such a release of stress and guilt when one does this.  It is one of those things that is so terribly hard to do but once done provides immense relief from the heavy burden of guilt.

Thank You, LORD God for this wonderful lesson. Your Word is sure, pure and true.  It makes me wiser.  It enlightens my eyes.  It rejoices my heart.  It restores me. How I need this reminding every moment of my day!  And I pray for courage to not only own up to my sins but to seek restoration if I have sinned against another.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!