The Five “R’s”. A somewhat odd title until you know what the five r’s are, although for some, it may become odder. 2 Samuel and Psalm 51 are what the message was based upon. Psalm 51 is the heart-felt confession of King David after his adulterous union with Bathsheba.

The backstory is found in 2 Samuel. Nathan, the prophet of God during King David’s reign, tells the king a story in 2 Samuel 12:10-12. Nathan confronts David through this story and when he does, David follows through on the first R. He repents. Immediately. He makes no excuses for his behavior. 

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercyblot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

David continues by recognizing the reality of being a sinful human and by doing so, reminds me that I too, am a sinner. In verses 5-6:

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

David begins. We all have to begin somewhere, and David sensed his responsibility to write of his experience so that others would see how to overcome the guilt and shame of unconfessed sin. He continues by making a request. He asks for forgiveness, a bold statement to a holy, perfect God. In Psalm 51:7-9 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.

David knew that without the forgiveness of God, he would not really live. He would be burdened and filled with shame without it. David was the man after God’s heart. In verses 10-12 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.

David knew the 4th R was possible, because David knew God would willingly restore him. David repented, he recognized his sinfulness, he requested forgiveness and he knew and believed God would restore him. David had a solid relational understanding of God. Before he became king, He spent night and day as a shepherd, moving from place to place to secure food and shelter for the flock. He was in steady communication with God.

Once becoming king, David had everything at his fingertips. He could have and do whatever he pleased and that included another man’s wife. The humble shepherd was forgotten, and the lust-filled king resorted to things he would have never considered before.

David knew his time, his life, his very being rested in God's hands. David repented, he recognized his sinfulness, he requested forgiveness, he was restored to a right relationship and one R left. Recommit. 

Psalm 51:13-17

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

God was more concerned with David’s inner character and God is doing an inner work in my heart and mind as well. 

The Five “R’s”

·       Repent

·       Recognize

·       Request

·       Restore 

·       Recommit 

We all sin. We all need the Five R’s as a check in and a checkup! Do you have a framework of accountability built into your life? Are there people who really know you, who can call you out, hold you up and walk with you into a right relationship with Jesus? Please share your thoughts below.