“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (NIV)
Isaiah is regarded as one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. His ministry lasted for approximately 60 years during the reigns of Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh in Judah. During this time, prophets and priests were God's representatives on earth. Isaiah was well liked in the beginning but because his messages were often challenging and difficult to hear he soon became unpopular with the people.
In this verse Isaiah is addressing the people of Judah - the southern Kingdom of Israel - God is warning them that if they continue to sin and rebel against the covenant with Him (see Deuteronomy 28), they are bringing punishment upon themselves. Their sins are described as scarlet and crimson indicating that they deeply stain them. However, God and God alone can remove these stains, hence they then become white as snow or wool. They would purified, but for this to happen they must choose God and be willing to obey Him. In 1 John 1:7 we are told “but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin.”
How is this verse relevant to us today? Even if we stray far from God our relationship with Him can be restored if we seek forgiveness, repent, and turn away from our sins, however bad they are. Forgiveness is granted by the grace and mercy of our Lord. As we atone for our sins, we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus so that we can continue to have a loving relationship with our God and live holy and righteous lives.
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Application:
Is there anything in your life that has stained you? For what do you need to ask forgiveness? Are you afraid to admit something to God? Do not fear, he knows it already and is just waiting for you to speak it out and acknowledge it – and ask to be forgiven.
Prayer: by Alcuin of York (735-804) a scholar, clergyman, poet, and teacher.
Almighty and merciful God, the fountain of all goodness, who knows the thoughts of our hearts, we confess that we have sinned against you, and done what You see as evil. Wash us, we implore You, from the stains of our past sins, and give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things so that, being delivered from the bondage of sin, we may produce the good fruits of repentance.