Apples of Gold

Perhaps it is my age, or my Hashimoto’s, but there are times that I have a very difficult time settling down, especially when it is actually time to go to sleep. My days often whiz by in a blur of activity with little time for contemplation. I can drop into bed, barely able to keep my eyes open, only to find that my mind begins to race through a flurry of scenarios that suddenly demand an immediate answer. Sleep is elusive as my attempt to settle down yields to the avalanche of thoughts pummeling my heart and mind. 

Even worse than a lack of sleep is feeling like something is unsettled between the Lord and I. At times there might be something I have neglected to confess, or something I have confessed but neglected to act upon. More often than not, what I actually need is a refresher course in God’s forgiveness. 

Come now, let’s settle this, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18

The Hebrew word, yakah, is translated settle here. It is most often translated reprove or rebuke. Perhaps depicting our Shepherd corralling us gently with his crook, reminding us we don’t have to struggle endlessly with this stuff. He is offering a final verdict if only we will really hear him. 

God asks us to be convinced, to decide, settle with finality. Some translations say “Let us reason together”. We are not on our own here. Together with God, we can put this battle to embrace forgiveness to rest.

It is interesting that this verse is lodged in the middle of a chapter detailing a rather long list of trespasses, during a time they were actively paying the consequences for their wayward behavior. 

In this passage I see the compelling call to Judah to make a decision to serve him once and for all. To settle in their hearts that he alone is their God. 

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:21

Loving God when it was convenient led Judah to a very dangerous place. 

When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! 1 Kings 18:12-13

God is not impressed with pomp and circumstance. He also demands exclusive worship. 

I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. Isaiah 42:8

While most of us wouldn’t think of bowing down to a piece of wood, idolatry can ooze in through unnoticeable cracks in our foundation. Putting God first is not that difficult. Making him our everything is a much more difficult prospect.

This is the first thing we must settle and resettle as it becomes necessary. There must be nothing wedging itself between God and our hearts. When something is attempting to sneak in we must take immediate, definitive action to remove it. 

I have lost some of my favorite clothing to an accidental exposure to an irremovable substance. Just one drip of ketchup, or splash of hot oil can signal the end of life of a beloved outfit! 

The description of sin as scarlet and crimson painted a clear picture in the minds of those living in Isaiah’s time. 

Once scarlet or crimson dyes touched fabric, they could not be removed. These dyes permeated the fabric and chemically bonded with the fibers and removal became impossible. 

Scarlet and crimson were generally reserved for the rich and as a result they were eye-catching and conspicuous. 

The results of sin are often noticeable and by human standards, irremovable. With a lot of effort we might be able to bring a dyed item back to a faded pink, but white is another matter!  

And yet this is what God does. He takes our worst moments and removes the glaring shame, making us clean and useful again! 

God does not want his children crippled with guilt and shame over sins they have confessed and renounced. So many of us still struggle to grasp the true power that was released through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  

Instead of continually replaying our confessions, a much more profitable posture is to choose to approach God with thankfulness for his forgiveness. 

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalm 103:1-3