Every four years, we are treated to a sporting spectacle set in a world of snow and ice. The Winter Olympics introduces us to the precision of curling, the artistry of ice dancing and the breakneck speed of bobsleigh. The aerobatic brilliance of snowboard and freestyle skiing can leave us breathless. All of this is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and valleys covered in winter white.
It can be a welcome break from the seedy and traumatic world news. There are very few stories which are uplifting, which show the beauty of the world in which we live. And even fewer which show people acting in a way that is ‘as pure as the driven snow’.
The colour white signifies purity. The idea of being ‘pure as snow’ indicates something or someone untainted, spotless, and innocent. It was popularised by William Shakespeare, but goes back much further. Snow occurs several times in the Bible, both literally and in descriptions of things which are very bright white. It is also used to describe a wonderful blessing from God – the ability to be considered pure, even when we are not. It is a lovely, positive picture.
We are all born as mortals who can sin (disobey God) and do so all too often. When we realise this, it could make us despair. What’s more, the Bible tells us that “when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15). But God breaks this cycle and is ready to wipe clean the slate of our life. He asks that in response we believe Him, are baptised, and try our best to live in the way He asks.
‘“Come now, and 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 be as wool”’ (Isaiah 1:18). This quotation is at the start of the long prophecy of Isaiah, where God time and again pleaded with Israel to turn back to Him, to do what was right, and to receive His blessings. God tells us that, however badly we may have behaved, for however long, He is willing to forgive us and make us ‘pure as the driven snow’.
David, Israel’s greatest and most faithful king, was also human – and he sinned. But he was truly sorry, and he went to God in prayer: ‘Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow… Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me’ (Psalm 51:7, 10). David was right. God did forgive him and described him as ‘a man after my own heart’ (Acts 13:22).
God is ready and willing to do the same for us if we come to Him, believe in His promises and are baptised. This will bring us into a relationship with Him through Jesus, whom the Bible describes as ‘him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood’ (Revelation 1:5).
If we do not accept God’s offer to make us pure, we live, die, and have no future hope. If we accept it, we can have peace of mind now and the hope to live for ever in His kingdom – a perfect world here on earth, ruled by the Lord Jesus. You can read all about it in this magazine!
Andrew Hale
Questions or comments? E-mail editor@gladtidingsmagazine.org
