1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purity us from all unrighteousness. --NIV
In the name of the One Who is faithful and just, amen.
In our time many people like to think that God is far away. There was a song that said, "God is watching us from a distance." The idea was that there was harmony in the world when viewed from a distance. Many people don't believe there is really evil in the world. They believe there are wrong choices, but no real sin. Some teach that God set things in motion by a big bang, but then it just sort of went along on its own. This is not how God reveals Himself to us.
God came to us in Christ Jesus, and He experienced the world under a microscope. Instead of harmony He found chaos. Instead of good, He found a lot of evil. Instead of letting things go on by themselves, He actively manages history for the good of His Church. Human beings are evil. The took the Son of God and murdered Him. They destroy each other, themselves, their relationships, the world God made--the list is endless. If we claim there is no evil or sin in the world, we are deluded and should be locked up for our own good.
But God is not far away. Christ Jesus comes to us when we confess our sins. He comes to us and, through the hand and mouth of another, personally forgives us our sins. In absolution (forgiveness) He renews our spirits, and creates a clean heart within us. Glory be to Jesus who is not far from us at all! Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for not being far away from us. Thank You for forgiving our sins. Be near us today, and forgive our sins against You since all sin is against You. Renew our spirits, and give us clean hearts so that we may serve You this day, amen.