Shining Words - by Sharon Dow 

“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 as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1: 18–19 NIV 

My daily reading has brought me to Isaiah where I am determined not to get bogged down in obscure passages, but to search for shining words that I know are hidden in its pages. I begin with chapter 1, sorry to leave behind the Old Testament books of law, history, and poetry that so intrigue me.

God is fed up with the Israelites. They’ve done it again; they’re far from Him, and He is not impressed. He lists their sins in no uncertain terms and his coming judgments. Where in this chapter will I find those encouraging words I seek? 

Then I stumble upon verses 18 and 19. Verses long familiar to me, but out of context in my mind. In the midst of all the talk of judgment, God says to them, “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 as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” NIV 

Beautiful words of hope and forgiveness, set in the midst of angry words. Isn’t God good? Even in the midst of our rebellion, He’s still waiting for us to submit to Him, leave our rebellion behind, and ‘eat the best from the land’. That can be your position today if you will but come and reason together with the Lord. 

Today’s writer is a retired educator and now enjoys writing Christian historical fiction books. Contact