A FRESH CLEANSING

Isaiah 1:18-20 New Living Translation

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.  If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

         The color crimson was a deep red, very permanent dye that was for all practical purposes impossible to remove from a piece of clothing. This is how the Lord describes sin. They are like a deep red, penetrating, nearly indelible stain that is not at all easily removed. The hands of man are covered with the crimson blood that Christ shed on the cross.  Our sin sent him to the cross, a cross he willingly submitted to, a cross that purchased for us our freedom. 

         In an almost pleading sense, God, thru his prophet, says “if you will only obey me …”.  Israel had ridden a moral roller coaster, at times seeking the face of God and at other times, totally disregarding him.  Honestly, are we not the same today? Our sin is crimson as well; a near permanent stain on our soul.  Only the blood of Christ could wash this deep red stain from the fabric of our heart.  Israel had been disobedient, so have we. 

         The choice is ours. Even after we’ve been redeemed, many of us still struggle with sin. God looks upon the heart, for this is where our motivations lie. Give your struggles over to the Lord. Lean on him to lift you up and carry you thru whatever you are going thru.  A fresh cleansing is always available to the person with a willing heart and teachable spirit. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.