Snow Receeding

Lent Day 2

Here in Chicago it is easy to see that the unseasonably warm weather is melting the snow. The warm weather that has followed the unseasonably cold weather and snow and ice is quite a contrast (when will we have seasonable weather?). As the warmth melts the outer layers of the snow the black and grey and dirt are revealed. What has been covered is now exposed. What was once a layer of beautiful fresh white powder is reduced to the sludge and grim that was underneath.

I am reminded that Isaiah records the words of the Lord to his people as Isa 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together,"says the LORD."Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow..." Certainly it is the divine prerogative to cover our sins when we enter into a faith relationship with Christ. That cleansing, the prophets says, makes us white as snow. But when we drift from the relationship with God's Son and rely upon our own self- the white snow receeds. It does so slowly, methodoligically, evenly. And as it receeds the grime of who we once were, the filth of past deeds, the dirt of our brokeness is revealed. Others see it. We are exposed!

Our choices are limited. We may deny that the snow is fading and that the vision that others see is real or run back to God for renewal. Our prayer might follow Psalm 51 as we ask God for a new covering of our dirt with his beauty. (Ps 51:7) Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Lord, cover my dirt, sin and shame- may your grace never receed from my life and may your snow white beauty reflect the brillance of your light.