Scripture

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them white as wool.”

Observation

God’s children, the nation of Israel, rebelled against Him. Even an ox knows its master, but Israel does not know its master, the Lord.

Why do they invite punishment? They are already battered and bruised. The country is in ruins, and Jerusalem abandoned. If the Lord had not saved a remnant, they would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Lord is not pleased with their sacrifices and rituals. He hates their festivals and refuses to look when they pray.

If they come to the Lord in repentance, He will wash them clean. Their sins will no longer be like crimson, but they will be as white as wool.

Application

The Lord hates sin. He loathes religious hypocrisy. Unless we allow Him to transform our hearts and wash our sins away, then we are headed for judgment.

Many people do not think about sin. They are sure that if there is a God who judges, that they will be OK. At least they are not murderers or paedophiles.

But sin is sin, and however small itseems seems to us ,sin corrupts our souls. It captivates our hearts. It takes us away from the the Lord.

The Lord is always waiting for us to turn back to Him. No matter how evil, sinful or corrupt we are, He can take our sins away.

All of this points to Jesus. His death on the cross is the payment for the sins of the world. God’s forgiveness is available to everyone who will receive it.

Prayer

Lord, I acknowledge that my sins are scarlet, my soul is crimson in corruption. Thank you for your offer of forgiveness. I receive it today. Amen.