“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says Yahweh, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18, LSB
How forgiving is our God? These words were given to the Prophet Isaiah to proclaim to the people of Judah and call them out for their sinfulness and lack of faithfulness to God. The hope was that in hearing these words of condemnation, hearts would be turned back, and they would repent. Sadly, human nature does not work this way. We like to justify our sins. Our nature is to point blame instead of looking in the mirror and seeking to correct our failures and shortcomings. As we stand up and reclaim the reality of our fallen state, we also reclaim the forgiveness of our Lord and receive the great mercy that He pours abundantly upon His Creation. It is a blessing that we have from Him and Him alone. We are made clean of our sin, which covers us completely and shines out visibly for all who recognize it. We are made fresh and clean. Innocent once again and, as the old saying goes, “As white as the driven snow.” This is where our peace lies, and it is so because God has said it for all who believe. Let us turn to Him and be refreshed.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.