Skip to main content

Scarlet To White

                 “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. (Isaiah 1:18)

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. (Psalm 103:12)

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)

Are you forgiven? Like good Sunday School students across the world, we are likely to sing and otherwise proclaim, “Yes! I’m forgiven!” And I’m not suggesting in the least that you or I aren’t forgiven. Today’s focus is on gratitude, not forgiveness. But gratitude would include thankfulness for forgiveness. So, you are forgiven. Are you thankful?

Years ago, my grandmother’s death provided me with a small inheritance, which I promptly used to pay off the debt on my car. At the time, I was quite grateful to be able to do that – then. Now, while it was nice, it’s not something that influences my life. Other things are nearer, bigger, and have more influence in my life.

The same can be said of forgiveness for my sins. It’s there and I’m grateful, but I don’t seem to think of it in a current, weighty way. In one sense, this should be expected. If God removes our wrongdoings from us, they shouldn’t haunt us – though I’m one of those who seems to regularly be stabbed by things either wrong or embarrassing that were done in the past. I’m also one of those goody-two-shoes who basically never drank, never smoked, almost never used what others call foul language, etc. I seem to be in the category of those who have been forgiven little.

Sometimes, I’m almost envious of those who have dramatic conversions, who go from stoned sensualist criminal to saint, who has fought some great battle against some big sin. But none of this matters, because it is all based on a misunderstanding of what sin is. Even if we know better, we still think that some sins are insignificant, while others are big deals. The reality is that all sin and each sin is treason. If we really saw it that way, we might have more gratitude.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more