Monday Morning Encouragement -- Come Now

 

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."    Isaiah 1:18

In the Book of Isaiah God contends with the kingdom of Judah. The leaders and people are corrupt. They treat one another badly, while professing allegiance to God with their religious ceremonies. But God is not impressed with a show of worship while the heart of the so-called worshiper is unrepentant. Because of their sin God is about to bring judgement upon them; an invasion of Judah is coming.

Judah's sin is described as "scarlet and red like crimson." In ancient times scarlet was considered the color of wealth and royalty, its color achieved by soaking the fabric in dye, literally infusing it. In the context of Isaiah 1 scarlet is used to describe sin that has permeated the heart. 

Isaiah shows us how seriously God takes sin, and how He provides a remedy for it. He says to the sinner, "Come now." And He says, "let us reason together...though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." 

Pastor David Guzik says, "In this passage, Isaiah says nothing about how this cleansing comes. But we know that it comes because Jesus took upon Himself our stain of sin, and God judged sin perfectly and completely in Jesus, so we can be accounted white as snow and as white as wool." 

When we come and repent, God cleanses our hearts, just as we read in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

Today's music video The Power Of The Cross by Keith and Krystyn Getty is a tribute to Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice our scarlet sins can be forgiven and made white as wool. He deserves our praise.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.