Aaaaaaaand here it is. The first snow day of the year. How could any of us have been mentally prepared for a snow day on November 17th! But let’s be honest…snow is unbelievably gorgeous. As I sit here this morning sipping on my coffee and looking out the window, I see a beautiful covering over EVERYTHING. It is one of my favorite, peaceful experiences to drink awesome coffee and look at awesome stuff.
The world, though, is nothing more than a continual telling of the story of Jesus. Here are three ways to rest in the Gospel of Grace this morning.
- Snow is a representation of God’s cleansing of sin in our lives. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Yesterday, there were all these different colors out my window, but today it is just one even white. Not shades of white, but clean white. The snow literally covered all of the differences and imperfections to give a new look. And so it is and can be for us. Jesus is the great equalizer, no matter what Denzel says. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Sin is sin, no matter how “big” or “small.” And Jesus cleans it all.
- The fact that snow is a covering agent means that there is something the world needs to hide. There is no faking it, people – sin is in the world and there is nothing we humans can do about it. No peace treaty, handshake, apology, or gift can change the fact that sin is and will be present in this world until Jesus returns to put it in its place. The beautiful snow is out there, but what lies beneath is out there too. 1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” No matter who denies that it exists, sin exists. But the true Hope is in the Word of Jesus Christ, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” John 10:10. Only Jesus can destroy what is underneath forever. The snow will melt away, but never will the love of Christ.
- Snow demands that you think differently, more cautiously. People don’t operate in the snow the same way that they operate when it’s 80 degrees outside. They are more cautious, more aware. They can’t just get in the car and drive somewhere. They have to prepare their vehicle by warming it up. When they’re driving, they drive slower, look around more intentionally, and watch for the “other guy.” They walk more carefully, being mindful of what ice may be awaiting the next step. When we choose to follow Jesus, it should have a similar effect on us. We should seek to be more aware, more cautious. We should welcome patience and preparation. We should no longer act, then think. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Be aware.
As you smell the brisk air this morning and experience the beauty that we are all waking up to today, be in communion with the Creator of it all. God is telling a story everywhere you look. Let’s not miss it today!
In Service,
Mike Allen
Lead Administrator and 5-8 Principal
Evansville Christian School