The Thought for the Day is from Luke 18 v 13.
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Charles Haddon Spurgeon used to tell the story of a duke who boarded a galley ship and went below to talk with the criminals manning the oars. He asked several of them what their offences were. Almost every man claimed he was innocent, blaming someone else or accusing the judge of taking a bribe.
One young fellow, however, replied, “Sir, I deserve to be here. I stole some money. No one is at fault but me. I’m guilty.” Upon hearing this, the duke shouted, “You scoundrel, you! What are you doing here with all these honest men? Get out of their company at once!” The duke ordered that this prisoner be released. He was set free, while the rest were left to tug at the oars. The key to this prisoner’s freedom was his admission of guilt.
That’s also true in salvation. Until a person is willing to admit, “I am a sinner in need of salvation,” he cannot experience freedom from guilt and condemnation.
The opening of this passage brought to mind my favourite musical, Les Miserables. I also love the film, starring Hugh Jackman. The story and music are so emotional and I cry every time I watch it. Imagine how the released guy must have felt. He had just admitted his guilt yet he was set free. When we admit our wrong doing and ask God for forgiveness we are set free too. Sin brings fear: confession brings freedom. Thanks be to God for His love and mercy.