White as Snow

O. T. #1565  "White as Snow"
Nov. 13, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 5
Come now, 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. Isaiah 1:18

LET IT GLOW

Look at verse 24. What are the three ways God describes Himself in this verse?

1. the Lord,
2. the LORD of Hosts,
3. the Mighty One of Israel.

Here, God is emphasizing His role as the rightful judge of sinful people. The Mighty One of Israel occurs only here in the Bible, though, the Mighty One of Jacob appears five times. (MacArthur)

This powerful God who formerly was for Judah is now against them. Their hearts needed to be cleansed of sin, like the impurities of silver is purely purged away as dross. (verse 25)

He wanted to make Jerusalem a city of righteousness, the faithful city. Also, the judges and counselors will be restored. (verse 26)

As the temple is Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC, it was restored seventy years later in 516 BC under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

What do we need restored in our life?  Is it a deeper walk with Jesus? Is it a dedicated prayer life?

LET IT GROW

Our area finally has received snow. Yeah! Now it is not a 3 inch snow, but a dusting of powdery beads here and there. How white it is. Also, our neighbor raises sheep, which naturally have white wool. These are examples of how God wants to change hearts.

Take a look at our key verse now.
What is it God is calling Judah to do? come and let them reason together.
What is their condition? Their sins are as red as scarlet and crimson.

Life Application Study Bible explains:

Scarlet and crimson were the color of a deep-red permanent dye, and its deep stain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. the stain of sin is equally permanent, but God can remove sin's stain from our lives as He promised to do for the Israelites. We don't have to go through life permanently soiled. God's Word assures us that if we are willing and obedient, Christ will forgive and remove our most indelible stains (Ps. 51:1-7).  Will you ask Him to make you clean?

How did God desire to change those red sins? He wanted to change them to be white as snow and wool.  Snow and wool are naturally white, but forgiveness is not unconditional. It comes through repentance, agreeing with God that we have sinned. Here we see the life-changing grace of God.
The blood of Christ can cleanse our dirty heart.

LET IT GO

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. My heart that gets red with sin needs cleansing with the blood of Jesus today.

You alone are the Mighty One of Israel, the only one who can change hearts.