If you are willing…

David had committed an unspeakable sin. He had murdered a man and taken his wife.

In light of that, verse 7 really is quite stunning.

Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)

Here David compares his sin with leprosy, something that in that time was incurable and ostracized a person from the presence of God.

(That is, a leprous person could not approach the tabernacle/temple as well as his community. See Leviticus 13:45-46, 14:1-32 and especially verses 6-7, Numbers 5:3-4)

And yet he says with utter confidence, “You can make me clean.”

It reminds me of something a leper once said to Jesus. With the same confidence that David had, he said to Jesus,

Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. (Matthew 8:2)

Jesus’ response?

I am willing; be made clean. (Matthew 8:3)

Because of the cross, no matter how terrible our sin, no matter how great our guilt, Jesus can cleanse us. All we have to do is humble ourselves and ask.

And he will make us clean.