“It’s too good to be true!” How many of us have uttered that statement before? Sadly, we live in a time when many are skeptical of most things. We live by the mantra, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” meaning that it’s a lie and we should pay it no attention. However, when it comes to the promises of God, we must challenge ourselves to put that mantra aside and realize that if God said it, it must be true!
Approximately 700 years before Jesus walked this earth, the prophet Isaiah was looking ahead to His day. True forgiveness of sin was going to be made available through His sacrifice. By His blood, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). Through the prophet, God made a great promise to His people – “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah 1:18). Does this sound too good to be true? My friend, the forgiveness that God offers is real and instead of worrying and being burdened by guilt, we should rejoice in our salvation!
Briefly examine with me. Psalm 130. It is in a section of the book of Psalms called the, “Psalms of Accents” (120-134). These were psalms that were sung by the Jewish pilgrims as they made they ascent to Jerusalem to worship God (Deuteronomy 16: 16). These psalms were usually not very long, they were filled with joy, and they provided an outlook of hope. Four words help to summarize this psalm.
Prayer (Psalm 130:1-2) – “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.” If you want to find true joy and be filled with hope – find yourself often praying to God. It is not too good to be true – when we find ourselves in the depths of life, God is always available to hear us. There is nowhere else to turn!
Humility (Psalm 130:3-4) – “If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” These words remind us that we are, of ourselves, wholly inadequate before the Lord. We cannot stand on our own – but there is an avenue of rescue that God provides. Oh, that we would stand in awe and reverence of God more every day for who He is!
Relief (Psalm 130:5-6) – “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning – yes, more than those who watch for the morning.” Nights can be scary and great threats could be made to armies most vulnerable to attack in the night watch. The night watchman was anxious for the morning light and greatly relieved to see it. God’s forgiveness is likened to that relief. His forgiveness is a time of relief, not worry!
Redemption (Psalm 130:7-8) – “O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” With God there is mercy (loving kindness) and there is redemption. Notice that it says, “from ALL iniquities.”
May we trust God and take Him at His word. In Jesus, there is forgiveness and sin truly is as white as wool!
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