Whiter than snow

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Hyssop was used by the Jews in ceremonial cleansing rites. There were many varieties. This one had an aromatic smell and strong pungent taste. When a leper wanted to be declared healed, the priest would form a brush from the hyssop plant, and scrub the sore to see if there was any further infection. (It was also used at the cross. John 19:29)

In the above Psalm, David likens his own sinful heart to leprosy. He pleads for cleansing. To be washed and made whiter than snow.

I woke up this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow. There was a humming bird at its feeder, poking its long beak through all that bothersome white stuff, to get to the nectar.

Its melting now. Big chunks falling from the branches. Soon it will be gone, but right now, I can look out my window at one of the many wonders of creation and praise the One who gave us snow.

Whiter than snow. That is our condition when we are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Isaiah l:18  “Come now, and let us reason together.” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be white as snow;…

Psalm 5l:10-11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence: And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.