Scrubbing Bubbles

SCRUBBING BUBBLES

PSALM 130:1-8

JUNE 23, 2002

INTRODUCTION: Farmer Joe decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company (responsible for the accident) to court. In court, the trucking company’s fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn’t you say, at the scene of the accident, ’I’m fine’?," questioned the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well I’ll tell you what happened. I had just loaded my favorite mule Bessie into the..."

"I didn’t ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ’I’m fine’!"

Farmer Joe said, "Well I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question."

By this time the Judge was fairly interested in Farmer Joe’s answer and said to the lawyer, "I’d like to hear what he has to say about his favorite mule Bessie."

Joe thanked the Judge and proceeded, "Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favorite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn’t want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans. Shortly after the accident a Highway Patrolman came on the scene. He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her he took out his gun and shot her between the eyes. Then the Patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. He said, "Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. How are you feeling?"

It was then that I said, "I’m fine."

Today, no need to say or lie “I’m fine”. We are not fine. We have been touched by death, because of sin.

Contributed by: Andrew Chan

TRANSITION THOUGHT: How many of you have ever used SC Johnson’s Scrubbing Bubbles? I have bought the stuff for years, but I don’t know why. I hate scrubbing tubs, but somehow, I got the job when Kim and I got married. Actually, in Seminary, it was my stress relief. BUT, that stuff has never worked like the bottle or can said. Just spray it on and those scrubbing bubbles will do the work. YEAH, RIGHT!!

Today our text deals with the incredible power of God’s forgiveness. We, however, often think that God’s forgiveness is like SC Johnson’s Scrubbing Bubbles, the bottle says it removes tough soap scum easily, but instead takes a lot of Scrubbing elbow grease to make it work.

Have you ever asked God to forgive you of your sin, but then felt that He had not? Or, have you ever asked God to forgive you and then thought that you must beat yourself daily for His forgiveness to take place? Today, we are going to learn the reality of forgiveness as found in Psalm 130. SO, let us learn together the truth of Forgiveness!!

THESIS SENTENCE: OUR GOD FORGIVES SIN!

WHERE DOES IT ALL BEGIN? THE PSALMIST TEACHES US…

I. FORGIVENESS BEGINS WITH A CRY FOR FREEDOM (VV. 1-2)

A. A CRY FOR FREEDOM BEGINS WITH SEEING YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AS THEY ARE!

1. “Out of the depths I cry (verse 1)!”

2. When do you get serious with God?

3. Do you ever get serious with God?

4. The truth here in our text is not that the Psalmist is focused on his feelings, but on his circumstances! He is in a place where he has no control! He is in a situation that he can’t change!

5. Only when you get to the place where you know you are not in control will you be able to find help!!

B. A CRY FOR FREEDOM IS FULFILLED WHEN WE TURN FROM OURSELVES TO THE LIVING GOD!

1. The Psalmist knew whom to turn to!! “O Lord; O Lord,”

2. Twice the Psalmist makes it clear to whom he turned!

3. “Mercy” is the key term here! The Psalmist wanted the opposite of what his sins deserved: Mercy!

4. A cry for FREEDOM is a Cry for MERCY!

5. This is a cry of Repentance!

6. Forgiveness begins with a turning of the heart, which is seen from a cry for Mercy!!