We are enjoying 10” of fresh snow here so all services and activities at Discovery are cancelled this weekend of Feb. 10th. Watch www.discoverybaptist.org or the community.discoverybaptist.org for any further cancellations or announcements on the home pages.
Like many in Gig Harbor, we woke up the white stuff this morning. We have lived in Alaska and like playing in it as the picture suggests. But I am also reminded that snow is mentioned in Scripture to speak of some important theological truths.
There are 21 references to snow in the Bible. It is used negatively and positively. The first reference is of God giving signs to Moses to convince the people of his mission. One of the signs was making the hand of Moses leprous like “snow.” Then restoring it to normal.
“The LORD furthermore said to him, "Now put your hand into your bosom." So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow.” (Exodus 4:6) Snow pictured the dreaded disease of leprosy that only God could heal. When the people saw the hand restored (v.7) they knew Moses was sent from God.
Snow also pictures judgement. For example Miriam, the sister of Moses, opposed him. “But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow.” (Numbers 12:10)
I like the the references that speak of how snow pictures God’s spiritual washing of the sin that we have when we seek God’s forgiveness in Christ.
Psalm 51:7 “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow”
Proverbs 25:13 “Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.” Christ is the messenger to bring the refreshing message of grace to us in the heat of harvest.
Isaiah 1:18a "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow;…”
Matthew 28:3 “And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.” This related verse is speaking of the angel that rolled away the stone of Christ’s tomb at His resurrection showing His power over death.
These final references all point in a descriptive and beautiful way to God.
Daniel 7:9a "I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow…”
Revelation 1:14 His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.
So…enjoy the snow this weekend and remember God’s message to us with every flake that falls.
The God Who Speaks, the new adult Sunday School series, will start Sunday Feb. 17th at 9:15 in the auditorium and is led by Fred Wetzel. Lesson 1 is “Is the Bible Really the Word of God.”