“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:16-17
Have you ever done something wrong, immediately regretted it, wanted so badly to make amends, but knew you had nothing to offer that would reverse the damage done? I have done this more times than I care to remember, and it is one of the most painful states I have ever endured. Truth be told, every one of us puts ourselves in this position with God every time we choose to sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). What are we to do in such circumstances? What can we bring to God to make amends with Him when we rebel against Him and sever our fellowship with Him?
David was inspired to write Psalm 51 after having committed sins, the gravity of which few of us could rival with the wrongs we have done (cf. 2 Samuel 11-12). The entire psalm is a desperate plea for renewal and reconciliation to God. From the first line, David begged the Lord for mercy, the withholding of judgment earned. Along the way he acknowledged his defenseless position as he stood without excuse (51:3-4, 14) needing God to cleanse his heart from its sin stains (51:7-10; cf. Isaiah 1:18-20). When he asked God not to cast him away from His presence, he recognized that He had every right and reason to do so (51:11). David was broken, and he knew he was broken, so he begged God to restore him to the joy of His salvation (51:12). Such must be our attitude when approaching God’s throne to seek renewal.
So, back to the original question, what can we bring to God to make amends when we rebel against Him? The answer set forth in the Psalm remains true today. David, though living under a law that demanded sacrifices and burnt offerings (cf. Leviticus 1-7, 16), recognized that he could never pile up enough blood sacrifices and burnt offerings to atone for his sin in the matter of Bathsheba and Uriah (51:16; cf. Isaiah 1:12-15; Micah 6:6-7). No, he had to bring something altogether different if he would persuade God to be merciful to him.
The destruction of sacrificial animals could never bring David back into a pleasing state in God’s sight, but the destruction of the pomp and pride that led him to sin as he did would prompt His mercy. David revealed for God’s people in every place and time what sacrifices are pleasing to Him. He will not reject a broken and contrite heart (51:17). This concept runs throughout the Scriptures. Saul tried to placate God with animal sacrifices, but Samuel reminded him that obedience is greater than burnt offerings and sacrifices (1 Samual 15:17-23). Isaiah scolded the people of Judah who were sacrificing, feasting, and otherwise worshipping while bearing the guilt of their sins (1:12-15). They had to put away their evil and humbly return to God’s service before their sins could be removed (1:16-17).
This list could continue, but the principle is well established by now. If we want to be renewed to God’s favor in the wake of our sin and rebellion, we must come with broken spirits and contrite hearts seeking reconciliation on His terms (cf. Matthew 5:3-5; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:6).