Jesus asked that question of His disciples in Matthew 15:16 and again in Mark 8:21.

Reading Leviticus 3-7 about the many sacrifices the people were to make and how they were to be given by the people and performed by the priests, I couldn’t help but think about what that would have been like. They were being shown in a unique way that they sinned, even unintentionally, and that they needed to make that right with God. We no longer need to give sacrifices but do we truly understand what our sins do to us and to others?

I used to read some of the Psalms of David and wondered what kind of life he lead to be in such distress from others. For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. Psalm 31:13. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. Psalm 31:18. And yet, today, 2022, people are experiencing just that torment from others who threaten them and their families because they are drowning in sins of arrogance and hate and go on to threaten those who don’t support their delusions and lies. Just as in David’s time, there is nothing new under the sun. We sin. We suffer from the sins of others.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5.

I realized in prayer this morning that it’s my heart I need to lay before the altar of God’s love, my heart cut opened as an offering to God who will hear my confession, know my repentance and heal all my wounds and sins. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2.

We live in dangerous times. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:6-11.

“Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Matthew 15:16-20. He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:21.

When will we understand that it’s our sins that defile us. Our sins. The sins of others hurt us. Our sins are so great and so hurtful to ourselves and to others that we can’t comprehend how much we are drowning in them today. I keep picturing the never-ending sacrificing of the animals – how many in all the millennia of sacrificing? Drowning in blood because of our sins. Do you still not understand? Take it personally, I do. God provided a way for ancient Israel to atone for the sins drowning them. It couldn’t stop the sins. We can’t stop the sins of the whole world nor, I submit, our own sins. Who can rescue us and cleanse us and heal us? When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:13-15. When we come face to face with the sorrows of the sins we and others have made, we come to that place where the same question is asked deep within our souls. Who will save me? Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:16-17.

Take His hand. He will reveal His truth and His love to you. Begin a conversation and let Him know the deep need you have for help. You can’t do it alone. I can’t do it alone. We were made to be with Him who loves us and will forgive us our sins and work within us to heal us of our own defilements. It’s personal. He loves you. That is truly personal and life giving. That my friends is where our hope lies.