Whiter Than Snow

Whiter Than Snow

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

I love to plant geraniums in pots for my front steps.  There is a little produce stand in Mechanicsville that sells flowers in the spring, and their geraniums are a wonder to behold: dark red, candy pink, and neon pink are my favorites.  Last year I chose the dark red and candy pink.  After planting, I realized that there was a space in each container that needed to be filled, so I popped in some white petunias.  My containers never looked better.  The contrast between the deep red and pure white was stunning.

This verse from the prophet Isaiah is one of my favorites – an open invitation for us to come and “reason” with God.  What a contrast to the idea of a Titan-like being who is sitting in heaven just waiting to zap you if you do something wrong.  Our sins may be many, and we may feel beyond redemption, but the Creator invites us to come, sit awhile, talk together, work through the problems, and receive a forgiveness so complete that it transforms our hearts into the purity of new-fallen snow.

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Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want You forever to live in my soul.

Break down every idol, cast out every foe.

Now wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

White than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, before You I patiently wait;

Come now, and within me a new heart create.

To those who have sought You, You’ve never said “No!”

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

White than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Celebration Hymnal, No. 653