A Clean Heart

Pentecost 14, September 14, 2025

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-11
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10

In today’s psalm we admit that we are unworthy to be the children of God and then ask God to change us – create in us new hearts is our call. This psalm reminds us that we are unable to live as God desires and have been sinful from our birth. We have, to put it in Jesus’ words, been lost. Lost by our sin. Lost by our desire to be like everyone else. Dazzled by the shining objects of the world. We have been lost and, like the Israelites, have turned our worship toward the things of the world. Even making our own idols. We learn of God’s mercy in Moses’ negotiation with God in our Exodus text. Instead of destroying the Israelites for their disobedience, God changed God’s mind. That is the primary lesson that we learn from the Old Testament. Even after the countless times that the Israelites turn from God to idolatry, God forgives (although sometimes they suffer punishment first). 

The Pharisees and scribes understood this differently. They believed that they were able to act as God desired and did not need a new heart. Part of living that life meant to not share the company of sinners because to do so would taint them. That is why they questioned Jesus on this issue. If he was from God, he would not associate himself with them. Since he did they were able to discredit him and thus ignore his call for repentance. They believed that they had a right heart and needed no help from God. The other folk, accused of being sinners and tax collectors by the Pharisees and scribes, knew the truth. No matter how hard they tried they were unable to live up to the standards of God and were deserving of God’s punishment. Jesus tells them of the joy that God and all in heaven experience when one who has fallen away – lost to God – is found anew.

But this leaves us with a dilemma. What brings us to live our lives as God desires? If we are forgiven of our sins by the work of Jesus what incentive do we have? If by falling away and then being found again gives joy to God why not do it often? Yes, I know, this is a twisting of God’s gift of salvation. It assumes that our lives are better when we decide what to do than the life that God calls us to. The choice is between a life of selfishness or a life of love. A life that ignores everyone else or one that opens your arms to all people. Our world today seems to be suggesting that, just like the Pharisees and scribes, you should surround yourself with those who are just like you and ignore the rest. But we see where that brings us in the many shootings we have experienced this past week in our neighborhood, nation, and world. 

We are called to be better than that. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ. We are called to be those who look for the lost and bring them into the fold. We are those who, after finding those lost, invite all to celebrate with us on their return to the fold. It is not ours to decide who can and who cannot be part of God’s kingdom. It is for us to begin where God commands – the orphan, widow, and alien in our land – and expand outward to include all. In response to this call from Jesus ask God to create in you a new heart one that loves others as God loves you.