An Image Reflected: Scarlet for Snow

When the prophet Isaiah arrives on the scene, the Israelites are in a bad place. They are rebellious to the core. God says that even the ox knows who is boss and the mule knows who feeds him, but His very children don't know up from down. They have forgotten not only their Creator, but their Redeemer. They are full of corruption and God wonders why on earth he keeps dealing with them. I am sure that it is for one primary reason: They are his NAME sake.

He was in covenant with them, and he couldn't go against what He initiated. He had no choice but to be faithful to His name, so he offers them this:

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (in Isaiah 1:18)

He tells them to have a seat so that they can argue this out. If they are willing and obedient, he will purify them. If they resist his offer, then they will be devoured by the sword.

I am learning that when God uses imagery, it is always for a purpose. It is never just thrown out there, like some fancy-smancy poetry line. It has meaning.

In those times, the color "scarlet" was the most "fast" color. It couldn't be bleached out. It held to everything. The Hebrew word for scarlet means double dyed. You are gonna love this little revelation! Matthew Henry said it is like this: "First dyed in the wool of original corruption, and afterwards in the many threads of actual transgression." In other words, we've been double dipped in the scarlet stain of sin. First, because we are born with a sin nature. And second, because we personally sin.

What can wash away my sins?

Somehow, in God's color wheel, red plus red equals white. Our double dipped scarlet selves are covered in the blood of the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus, and voila, we are white as snow. Seems like a trade off that I can't even grasp, much less ever be able to repay. His grace removes the permanency of the stain.

What can wash away my sins?

Nothing But the BLOOD of Jesus!

Sometimes it is fun to see if a word is located in other parts of the Bible...it helps with understanding the imagery that God is using. The words snow and wool are repeated in a few other places and a couple of them reference the glory of God and Christ!

Daniel 7:9 "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."

Revelation 1:14 "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire."

Do you see it? At regeneration, God works holiness into us and we become righteous as Christ is righteous. At adoption, we suddenly resemble the Father and the Son.

John 17:22 "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one." (Jesus talking to His Father)