[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Monday January 16, 2006

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotion Monday January 16, 2006

Snow has been a favorite topic of conversation in these parts recently.
Because there is so strangely little of it this year, such conversation
provokes either joy (for those who see little value in snow) or sorrow (for
those who love to play in snow). How does Scripture use the word and idea of
snow?

 

Psalm 51:7

"Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

 

One of the more vivid memories I have from grade school, was participating
in the group ridicule of a classmate who had a learning disability. I was in
the fifth grade, yet it still haunts me.  For months I felt as though I was
"dirty." Like Lady Macbeth constantly trying to wash the "damn spot" from
her hand when it really resided in her heart.

 

Early on, I learned that in my heart I was capable of saying and doing not
only dumb things but sinful things. The psalmist is feeling dirtied by the
sins of his life, but with confidence he calls out to God, "Wash me!"  He
knows both the mercy of God and the God's power to get out those "damn
spots" that cause our conscience anxiety and pain.

 

When God washes away our guilt and shame, it is powerful and lasting. We
become white as freshly fallen snow (a powerful sight in an ancient near
east where snow was unusual).  Have you said or done something that
continues to haunt you? Do you feel the edge of shame? God sent his Son,
Jesus to wash it away. In his death and resurrection you have been made
whiter than snow. What is past is "finished." Live this day washed in grace.

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://zlc-aa.org/pipermail/dailydevo_zlc-aa.org/attachments/20060116/265a33a2/attachment.htm