Whiter than snow

Snow is a weather event not commonly experience in Israel's winters, even in the higher elevations like Jerusalem. Several winters can pass without any measurable snowfall, so when there is an accumulation, it is something of a national holiday. The photograph on this page was taken of Jerusalem's Old City by night after an exceptionally heavy snowfall several years ago.

In a photo essay appearing in Israel's geographic magazine, Erets, in March-April 2000, photographer Baruch Gian writes:

At the end of January, for the first time in years, a heavy snow fell on Jerusalem, draping its hills, olive trees, domes, minarets, and even the Western Wall in a cloak of radiant white. The day after the storm, it seemed as if Jerusalem was again under siege, with convoys rolling up to the city from every direction--but it was only the "tourists": Tel avivians and other meteorologically challenged provincials eager to see the exotic sights and throw a few snowballs. Amazingly enough, the honking of impatient drivers was not to be heard. There is something soothing about the color white, even for the average high-strung Israeli. (emphasis mine)

Seven centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah decried Judah's hypocrisy in going through the motions of religious activity, while neglecting acts of true holiness and ignoring the deepest need of the human heart--true repentance leading to forgiveness of sin. Such a sad state of affairs is described in these words,

…this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men; (Isaiah 29:13)

Jesus quoted this passage when rebuking the scribes and Pharisees of His day for their criticism of His disciples who did not join in their empty rabbinical rituals such as ceremonial hand washing. (Matthew 15:1-9)

In a very dramatic denunciation of meaningless animal sacrifice and other shows of religiosity, God speaks to Judah through His prophet.

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Isaiah 1:15)

In essence, God makes it clear that no amount of religious ritual will clean the redness of sin and unrighteousness from one's hands. What follows, though, are these beautiful words in an incredibly gracious invitation,

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Three hundred years before Isaiah, King David was working hard on ignoring the ugliness of his unrighteousness and pretending that his double sin of adultery and complicity in murder didn't matter all that much. The turmoil of his soul within (Psalm 32:3-4) and the open rebuke of Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12) led to repentance and acknowledgment of his sinfulness, followed by a wonderful spiritual cleaning.

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:2,3,7,17)

Just as photographer Gian says, "There is something soothing about the color white, even for the average high-strung Israeli."

May more and more Jewish people this winter realize that their greatest need is forgiveness from their sins and that the snowy whiteness of spiritual cleansing comes only from the "fountain of blood drawn from Immanuel's veins."

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat; I wait blessed Lord, at thy crucified feet. By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow--Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. (James Nicholson)