27
Jan '25
White as Snow
27
Jan '25
Introduction: Have you ever noticed that virgin snow is so bright and white? Comparatively, man’s sin is dark and ugly. In fact, in the first chapter of Isaiah, not only had the nation of Israel, including Judah, grossly sinned against their God, but also man is described as sin-sick from the top of his head to the sole of his feet. Isaiah the prophet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses the terminology comparing the color of sin with scarlet; furthermore, he compares them, once forgiven, to being “white as snow”! So how can God do this?
1. We have got to go before the Lord and REASON! (Isaiah 1:18) – “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Interestingly enough, the word “reason” is יָכַח (yakach), which means to reprove or to correct. It also can have to do with arguing. Finally, the word “reason” means to decide or even to judge. In other words, God was saying to His people—the Israelites—in essence, let’s decide, judge what you have done, and where you are at so that I can pardon your sin. Is God calling America to “come reason together”?
2. We have got to see our sin as God sees it! (Isaiah 1:6,18) – “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.”
A white fluffy sheep grazing on the background of pure white snow looks dirty. But on a green grassy background, it looks distinctly white. You get the picture. Comparing ourselves with ourselves, we do not look too bad, but when we stand in the brightness and brilliance of His glory, we should come away saying, “Woe is me,” like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8). In the light of His holiness, we see our blemishes and defects.
3. We need to know our sin separates us from the Lord, but His redeeming blood buys us back into a right relationship! (Isaiah 1:18) – “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Remember, King David cried out, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!” Right there is the glorious truth of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Are you clean? Do you need to be washed whiter than snow?
Conclusion: Here in this passage, God reveals man’s sin-sick problem. But He has a remedy! The precious blood of Jesus Christ not only redeems but also cleanses. Once forgiven, we are not only forgiven but also restored back into a right relationship with our God. So now, shouldn’t we listen to the Lord?
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese