WHITER THAN SNOW

Isaiah 1:16-20 The Living Translation

“Wash and make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your deeds from before my eyes. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” “Come now, let us reason together,” says Adonai. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool. If you are willing and obey, you will eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword.” For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.

            This portion of Isaiah is expressed regarding visions the prophet saw concerning both Israel and Judah.  The same words apply to Christians throughout the ages to this very day.  Crimson is a deep red dye that was permanent and caused a deep stain that was impossible to remove from an article of clothing.  Our sin is equally as permanent.  Only one thing can remove it from our soul and that is the blood of Jesus Christ.  We are most familiar with the portion that simply says that our sins are like scarlet, yet they will become white as fresh fallen snow, but what of the surrounding verses?

            Like the Jews, we are asked to put away our evil deeds and learn to do good.  We must be willing to listen to the Lord when he communicates to us and obey whatever he lays upon our hearts.  If we refuse to do so and rebel against the will of God then we will face eternal separation from God. 

            God is not one to be trifled with.  He has forgiveness and a life plan available for those who are willing to follow.  You absolutely do not have to do any of this, that is the free will choice you are permitted to make.  Yet with every choice come consequences.  The Lord does not wish for anyone to spend eternity separated from him.  He has great plans in store for those who place their unwavering faith and trust in him.  Reject him or take a laissez-faire attitude toward his involvement in your life and you will end up the loser in the end.  Adhere to his standards and be his representative to a lost and dying world.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible, published by Tyndale House.

NOTE: Adonai – A Hebrew title of reverence for God, serving also as a substitute pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton* (The four Hebrew letters usually transliterated as YHWH or JHVH, used as a biblical proper name for God.) [Literally, “my Lord”; spoken in place of the ‘not to be uttered’ name Yahweh]