Articles
If You Are Willing
We have a hymn we sing which contains the following line:
Tho’ your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow.
This line of poetic language does not originate in the 1800s with the writer of the hymn. Rather, it is found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 1:18-20, we encounter words which echo through the Old Testament.
“Come now, and let us debate your case,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They shall become as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You will eat the best of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Our recent snowfall reminds us of the brightness of snow. The glow of the sun results in the glistening of the snow. In the Isaiah passage, the whiteness of snow represents cleanness and purity. Sin is defiling, but we can be made clean before God. However, it is important to note that the Isaiah reading is not all good news and comfort. As in many Old Testament readings, we have the word if. “If you are willing…” (Isaiah 1:19)
Perhaps more so than other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah sets forth the hope of the coming Suffering Servant who will bring healing through His wounds (Isaiah 53:5). Christ has ushered in a new covenant, but this truth remains: “If you are willing…” The question for each of us is “Am I willing?”
Am I willing to name Jesus as Lord and be an obedient servant?
Am I willing to be crucified with Christ, putting to death self-serving habits?
Am I willing to be raised with Him in baptism in anticipation of eternal life?
Am I willing to walk with Him daily, continually learning and changing?
Throughout the Old Testament, the people consistently serve themselves rather than serving God and others. They serve the false gods of the nation around them. In short, it seems that they attempt to serve everything and anything rather than the One who consistently served them by coming to their aid.
Today, let’s be willing to serve the Servant.
