I don’t know if you’ve ever wondered if the word ’snow’ occurs in the bible. I have. I did, just now. I checked an online resource, Oremus Bible Browswer and searched under ’snow.’ Tons of references show up, many mentioned leprosy or killing lions, none of which seem that postivie. One, however, grabbed my attention.
“[God] sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” (Psalm 147.15-18, TNIV)
I am captivated by these lyrics. God spreads snow like wool, and frost like ashes. I this one line there seems to be both good and bad present, existential extremes. I would say that the gathering of wool is a good thing. Even for sheep it’s not too unpleasant. But then ashes falling down everywhere, might not be so good–think of cities burning in a war (most likely this is a refernce to the battles eventuating in the Exile).
Yet all these extremes, if there are extremes here, are held under God’s power. God’s word melts the extremes, activates the breezes, causes the waters to flow.
Whether you see snow as a postive thing or as another task or threat to your day, or whether it’s both, it’s good to know that God is in control, sending out The Word, stirring up the Breeze.
Thanks, God.
My favorite scripture about snow is Isaiah 1:18 which is familiar. “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.”
Hm-m-m-m, interesting that both snow and wool are mentioned in this verse, too.
When I read this passage from Isaiah, I am always amazed that my sin that is scarlet can be washed in red blood (of Jesus) and come out white!
This is the first time I ever visited or participated in a BLOG. Ronnaug
I like. Although talking about snow, the imagery reminds me of spring, and Easter