“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
I’ve never been much of an artist. In fact, some will recall that my Mom chided me for not being able to color inside the lines! But I think I’m on to something now. I’ve imagined a piece for the ages. Let me describe it to you. First, my oil-on-canvas work (that sounds cool; they say things like that at the Louvre) is framed by a heavy gilded frame that such an important work deserves. The background – well actually the entire surface of the masterpiece is white (who ever knew there were so many shades of white!). I chose “snow white” because, well, that’s what the Scripture says. No shading, no shadows, no trees or grass or stream; just snow white.
Now you’re saying, “But Michael, why do you think this painting with nothing but white paint is a special work of art?” Allow me explain.
Picture yourself sitting in the interrogation room with detectives, the DA and a whiteboard. They are listing on the board with a blood-red marker every one of your actions, any thought, word, or act that would be considered immoral, selfish, shameful, or harmful. Every one for your lifetime; or even for the past 24-hours. There’s pride. It shows up over and over. There’s deceit. Why keep repeating? Oh, and selfish an immoral show up. Several times. Shameful is well represented on the board. And then pride again. The whiteboard is beginning to fill with all of these, now several layers deep. In fact, the board isn’t white anymore. It’s almost completely blood red.
Then there’s a knock at the door. A kind-faced man walks in and pleasantly greets you. He says, “Be still, my child. I’m here to care for you.” From his pocket he pulls out a large eraser and begins to wipe the board clean – completely clean. It’s white again – snow white, just like my painting.
As relieved as you are, you are suddenly overcome by fear. How can I afford this? What can I do to repay this man who has wiped my whiteboard clean?
The answer is, you can’t. No one can, ever. No matter how powerful, how wealthy, how well-placed, how whatever, no one can…..ever.
Oh, by the way the title of the work of art: Grace. And I’m not the artist. I think you may know who that is: his name is Jesus.
Amen and Amen!