Driving down one of our many country roads from church on a recent Sunday, the vibrance of the snow really hit me. So much so that I had to get out my sunglasses. That morning, we had what I will call snow fog, which creates a wonderful sparkling effect on all the trees once it evaporates. With a gentle breeze, these tiny ice crystals are blown off the surfaces and into the air, making the air itself shimmer. Swarovski, eat your heart out.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow
White(r) meaning it is “more white” than what it is being compared to, in this case, snow. I did a little research, and to put it simply, snow appears white because the ice crystals that compose it reflect and scatter all wavelengths of visible sunlight equally. Given the precision with which God created the natural order, I’m not sure how anything can be whiter than snow. Or at least freshly fallen snow. Yet in our inspired scripture, a contrite David references this concept of being whiter than snow in Psalm 51:7, and it is mentioned by Isaiah in Isaiah 1:18.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow
Washing anything is a chore, even if it is made easier by machines. Keeping white laundry items white is nearly impossible. I’ve tried so many different methods using hot water, cold water, different soaps, bleach, OxyClean, the sun, and that is only to get thing back to white, don’t get me started on actual stains. Yet our labors are nothing in comparison to how Jesus washed us free of the stain of sin.
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
Blood is not known for extracting stains. Quite the contrary, it is one of the culprits in making stains. Of course, we aren’t speaking in literal terms. Unlike laundry, no amount of our own work will cleanse us from our sin. His life for ours, the payment for sin. A horribly steep price, and yet He willingly gave it.
To those who have sought Thee Thou never said’st “No”—
As the snow melts and the ground returns to its normal browns and green hues, we can lose the reminder of a life that can be whiter than snow. Life can be weary, and just like the snow that sits along the side of the road can turn into a drab gray color, our burdens, choices, and sins can make us feel unrecognizable and dirty. Don’t lose hope. Unlike the snow that only comes in season. We have the ability to renew ourselves through Christ and become whiter than snow anytime.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow
Written by Beth England