Whiter than snow
In the last week, we’ve had two small snow events. As a southern girl, I still get excited about snow and look forward to it as much as I did as a child. (School teachers often have that trait, I think). After an overnight snowfall, I fed our animals and took a short stroll. The bright sunshine brought a sparkle to the new fallen snow. I wondered, “Is anything whiter than snow?”
Snow covers the dirt, leaves, and most any unsightly item with a pristine blanket. The landscape becomes clean, fresh, and pure. The powerful brightness of sun and snow brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.
David begged for cleansing
After David was confronted by Nathan concerning his sin with Bathsheba, David sought mercy and forgiveness from God. He begged God to blot out his transgressions and cleanse him from sin (Psalm 51:1-2).
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7).
David knew that only our Lord can cleanse us of sin and His forgiveness can make us whiter than snow.
We know temptation is everywhere. Just as snow melts and leaves an ugly pool of muddy muck, we are often tempted and we slip into the miry pit of sin. When our thoughts and actions do not reflect the will of our Father and our Lord Jesus, we have stepped away from obedience and have taken our own pathway to sin.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
We sometimes step away from the only One who can forgive our sin.
Who then can rescue us from sin when temptation pulls us into its lethal grasp?
How can we be whiter than snow?
Scripture outlines this for us
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice, Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:16-18)
Not only does scripture remind us how we may become cleansed from our sin, we are reminded we have an intercessor.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)
We have a Savior.
Just as the cleansing whiteness of snow covers the ugly and the dirty, making all within the snow’s gentle embrace clean and pure, so does Jesus do the same for us. Through His love and sacrifice, we are cleansed whiter than snow.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5a)
Prayer: Thank you Father God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, for showing us the pathway to you. May our steps always bring us closer to you so that we are regularly cleansed and purified by your steadfastness and compassion. Thank you for your grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness.
We had a snow event here in SC too. With only three inches on the ground, everything came to a halt with closings of schools and businesses. One family member in another state had a foot of snow and I grew up in the snow belt with lake effect snow that sometimes yielded over 100 feet in a season. That reminded me of the different circumstances in life and what to me was a statement in your blog that stood out: “we have a Savior”- one who is always present to listen and guide us.
Marilyn, everything comes to a standstill here, as well. The South just doesn’t cope well with snow and ice. I remember my college days in the Appalachian Mountains. We had a rough winter with lots of snow and long periods of sub-zero temperatures. I’d never experience so much cold and snow, but I loved it. I walked to campus for class and enjoyed being a “snow-girl.” I probably wouldn’t enjoy it so much now–fifty years later. We are so blessed to have a Savior who cleanses and purifies us–“whiter than snow.” Wishing you a blessed week!
No snow here, just ice (western North Tx), but snow sure is pretty. Thank you for this reminder that only God can truly cleanse us.
We are blessed to have a Savior who loves us, forgives us, and washes us “whiter than snow.” If you want some snow this year, Priscilla, I hope you get some, but if you’d rather not, I hope that type of winter weather passes you by. Snow is lovely, but so messy. I’m grateful our Lord cleans up the messy parts of our lives, washes us, and purifies up for His service. Blessings!
Thanks Winky for your reminder to us that God is our intercessor and Savior! Always look forward to receiving your weekly posts! May God Bless and continue to use you!!!
I’m so grateful for your kind words and encouragement, Martha. May God continue to bless you in service to Him. I appreciate your meditations on grief. Your messages bring hope and encouragement. We don’t “get over” our grief. We need prayers and kindness. Thank you!
No snow event here in the Lowcountry of SC. We had a few moments of freezing rain and a couple of snowflakes. Well…I guess you could call that a snow event for this area. haha! I’m thankful that we can be washed clean with the love of Jesus. Have a blessed week!
I think a few snowflakes and freezing rain count as a “winter” event in areas that seldom see ice and snow. I hope it snowed enough for your grandchildren to see. Like you, I am so grateful for our Savior’s gift of love and salvation. Wishing you a blessed week, Melissa.
We were thinking along the same lines today, Katherine. I posted a meme on social media with a snow scene and Isaiah 1:18.
I saw your inspiring meme, Diana. It is lovely. Thank you!
Great analogy, Katherine! I appreciate your insights from Scripture. I, too, as a teacher get excited about snow! Your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you, Kathy. I was always as excited as my students when those snowflakes began to fall. I hope your winter is beautiful and you enjoy snow, as you also find snowy scenes inspiring for you writing. Blessings!
I’m so thankful for our God who washes our sins whiter than snow.
Me too, Joanna! We are so blessed.
I agree, nothing I’ve seen is whiter than fresh snow. I’m so glad God used that to picture what He does for us.
God’s creation is so beautiful and I feel so blessed when He sends me lessons through nature. Wishing you joy and blessings, Debbie.