— Richard Peskett
The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Julius Mkhwanazi squirmed in his seat as he faced questions during the Madlanga Commission. Having been accused of criminality, political interference, and corruption, the suspended deputy police chief was evasive and vague as he was exposed as a liar.
Mkhwanazi is a shocking example of how the natural man twists the truth in order to cover up sin, and such deceit is sadly only too common throughout Africa. But it is also a stark reminder that “time and truth go hand in hand,” that is to say, lies eventually come to light. (Consider the ‘Watergate,” for example, an attempted cover-up in the USA government that was brought to light and resulted in the resignation of the President).
A ‘cover-up’ is ‘an attempt to prevent people discovering the truth about a serious mistake or crime.’ It is not a recent invention. About 3,000 years ago, David was the king of Israel. David had an adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, and he tried to cover-up his sin, he tried to hide his sin by murdering Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah.
But nothing is hidden from the eyes of the LORD. The LORD has said, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23). And the Lord Jesus said, “Nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17).
What happened to David? Sure enough, his sin was uncovered. Nathan the prophet confronted him and accused him of his crimes. How did David respond? He did not try to deceive Nathan and pretend these things never happened.
Nor did David make excuses or blame someone else. And neither did David belittle what he had done — he said, ‘”I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”‘ (2 Samuel 12:13).
David knew that he was guilty, and he knew that he was in a dire, dreadful, wretched state, unless God showed him mercy by not counting his sin against Him. He knew he would face either God’s mercy or God’s wrath. David confessed his sin and was immediately forgiven by the LORD.
David wrote Psalm 32 to express his gratitude and joy. He wrote,
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit” (Ps 32:1- 2).
Today there are many who make light of their sin and do not know the wretched state in which they live, not knowing the awesome holiness and fierce justice of almighty God – a ‘fatal forgetfulness’ – so they do not know such a happy state as the psalmist describes. Others invent their own means for finding favour with God, thinking that their good deeds will free them from the guilt of their sin and purchase peace with God.
While still more are deceitful, and try vainly to cover up their sin, thinking that they can keep it secret and hidden from God. But Psalm 32 stands as an urgent call for its readers to follow David’s example.
David speaks to us today, and he says, “When you become aware of your sin against the LORD, don’t try to cover it up or to hide it. This is futile, and it does not end well. Rather, turn from your sin, confess your sin to God, and turn to Christ that you might find forgiveness in Him.”
It is true that God is patient, and it may even be that Julius Mkhwanazi gets away with his deceit on this side of eternity. But God has said, ‘it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment’ (Heb 9:27; cf. 1 Cor 4:5). So do not presume on His patience. Paul wrote, “Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom 2:4).
David wants people to experience the joy he has found as a result of his confession. He tried to cover up his sin, but the LORD uncovered it. And when David confessed his sin, God covered it up! (Josiah Grauman faithfully explains this psalm and the irony)
His plea is heartfelt, but it is also urgent – don’t wait! He says that those who continue thinking that they can hide their sin are like a stubborn and senseless animal: ‘”Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you”‘(Ps 32:9). And David warns of the outcome for those who continue to cover-up their sin; “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD” (Ps 32:10).
God’s word tells us plainly, ‘Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy’ (Prov 28:13). And that mercy is found in Christ alone.