Washed Whiter Than Snow

January 21, 2025  •  Leave a Comment

“Were creation suddenly articulate…”

 

As I stood singing these words in a prayer service the tears fell. The day before, on a Sunday in the same room, I had listened to a message on the prodigal son. The incredible reminder the prodigal son was welcomed back home and given a robe of righteousness, a ring of authority, and shoes of peace. After getting home that Sunday and spending time with my own son, I watched the snowflakes fall outside. I decided to walk outside and see if any were sticking. I checked my hydrangea bush, pear buds, and didn’t find any. There was a heap of dead lily leaves where the new lilies will begin to grow, at least they do every year after winter passes. I never cut the remnant leaves back and I have no idea if I’m supposed to, but every year new leaves emerge from the pile of dead ones. The lilies bloom year after year at just the right time. As I inspected the dead leaves, I smiled. “There they are” I thought to myself in satisfaction of finding what I was looking for. The snowflakes were so beautiful. Each one unique. I took a few photos, focusing on steadying my freezing shaking hands. It wasn’t until I was back inside editing the images that the words “He clothes the lilies” came to mind. Matthew 6 “do not worry”. And then the message I had just heard hours before was back in my mind. He gives new garments. He also washes white as snow. I grabbed my Bible.  

 

I read Matthew 6:25-34 (a passage I’ve written on before) - “consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these…” 

 

I had to use my trusty google to find the address for this one but then I read Psalm 51:7 “…wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” - I ended up reading the whole chapter. “Washed in the word” (Eph 5:26). 

 

My thoughts returned to the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He was given a new garment. My mind was taken to Zechariah 3. Satan accused the high priest Joshua and the Lord rebuked satan - “Now Joshua was standing before the angel clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said “behold I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments…” Joshua was given new clothes. I texted a friend later saying I wish my name was physically written there sometimes. Sometimes I just need to KNOW and see my name instead of someone else’s. The beautiful reminder though, because of my faith in Jesus I do know. My name is there. I’ve surrendered to Him. I am His. He defends me before the accuser. I carried those thoughts to bed that night, got up early the next morning, and went to prayer service…

 

“Were creation suddenly articulate”…it all flooded back on that Monday morning. Creation suddenly became articulate. Those lilies, in their most disgusting and dormant state, remnant from what was before, were being clothed in the most unique, beautiful, white garments. Washed. Covered. Being prepared for their new season of life and growth. The same is offered to me. The same is offered to you. Only because of Jesus. The chance to “put off your old self which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” - Eph 4:21-24. The moments when we feel and are at our worst, our Father offers to clothe us in His best…So thankful for the beautiful reminders in nature. “Day to day” truly “pours out speech” (Ps 19) testifying to a “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father” (Isaiah 9:6)

 

“Were creation suddenly articulate…We’d hear Christ be magnified” - C. Carnes, C. Asbury, E. Hulse. Take time to listen to this beautiful song. Be blessed. Be a blessing! 

 

 

 


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