Jason Silver

Saturday, October 3rd, 2020

Don't Be a Mule

When I was a teenager, I once stole a chocolate cream-filled easter egg from my mother's secret stash. I noticed the sweet confection staring back at me one summer afternoon, and quickly snatched and consumed it. I can't recall for certain whether I enjoyed this sugary treat, but in my memory, it seems as if the taste was somehow soured.

Here's why: a few days later, I completed some errands for mum. When I had finished, she smiled kindly at me, saying she had a little gift of appreciation. Opening the treat cupboard, she frowned, began moving things around, and then said, "I'm sorry, it's gone! I had an Easter Cream Egg I wanted to thank you with!"

Holding my face in a plastic smile, I reassured her that I needed no such reward. Inside, however, my guts were in turmoil. I did not confess my theft, but instead struggled to erect a fragmented justification for my dishonesty.

In Psalm 32, David tells us how he kept silent about his sin; not owning his wrongdoing, his deceit; not confessing his guilt to God. As a result, he felt as though the vitality of his very strength became withered and broken, "dried up as by the heat of summer." That's a vivid simile. I can imagine a desiccated carcass left in the desert sun; dehydrated flesh in an arid wasteland!

I have many such stories, as I'm sure you do as well. Some may even be much more serious than stolen candy! I have experienced the very deliverance which David describes, when I have acknowledged my sin to God and man. Forgiveness is available to those who confess and turn from their sin.

When we see that our torment is of our own making; once we come to realize that God's steadfast love is all around us; once we understand that joy and forgiveness is available to our lying hearts, then refusal to own up to our wrongdoings is simply stubborn ignorance. David compares such behaviour to a mule who must be controlled with a bit and bridle!

Be happy, for your sins can be forgiven!

Amen