The Glory of Broken Things
Psalms 51 (Note 17)
Intro: This is a Psalm of David written with a broken heart after the sinful act he had performed with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. In brokenness David writes this Psalm of repentance and restoration. He acknowledges his guilt (v. 2-4). He begs for the cleansing of God (v. 7). He requests restoration of his broken life (v. 8). He understands that the Lord will not be satisfied with a ceremoniously offered sacrifice, but he is looking for more (v. 16-17). His brokenness will season his sacrifice with a sweet smelling savor that is pleasing to the Lord (v. 19). I am interested, however, in verses 8 & 17. I want to preach on the Glory of Broken Things. David speaks of his bones being broken in judgment and his heart being broken in repentance. He understands that God is interested in hearts, and unlike others, he does not want one that is perfect, but he wants one that is broken. The songwriter said right:
People keep so many things, collections of all kinds,
Some store treasures in their hearts, others in their minds.
But there is one collection that has the greatest price,
Jesus paid the highest cost, when he laid down his life.
Unlike most collectors, perfection they seek to find,
He is very different, Broken ones are his favorite kind.
You may think you are too far gone, way beyond repair,
But wherever there’s a broken heart, you will find him there.
He’s a heart collector, and I’m a chosen one.
He’s a heart collector who refuses no one.
All you have to do is come to him, and he will make you a part.
The one who is faithful and true, this collector of hearts.
We see this theme throughout the Bible of God receiving glory not from things that are whole ...