RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE FALLING SNOW: A Reflection


The Vision of Snow and the Gift of Righteousness


As I listened to the hymn that declares, “O precious is that flow that makes me white as snow,” a powerful image took shape in my heart—righteousness falling like snow from heaven. This imagery, both serene and profound, reflects a biblical truth: righteousness is not something we achieve, but a divine gift bestowed upon us from above.
Immediately, the words of an ancient psalm came to mind:

"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps." (Psalms 85:10-13).

This passage unveils the heart of God’s redemptive plan—where mercy and truth embrace, where righteousness is not earned but poured out, and where the steps of the righteous are guided by the One who leads them.

Righteousness from Above: A Heavenly Gift

The psalmist declares, “Righteousness shall look down from heaven.” This phrase reveals a crucial reality: true righteousness is not a human invention but a divine provision. Just as the heavens release snow to cover the earth in white, so God’s righteousness descends upon us, clothing us in purity beyond our own making.

This echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation; let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it."

In our fallen nature, we could never produce righteousness on our own. It must come from above. Christ, the Righteous One, came to bestow upon us the righteousness that makes us acceptable before God.

The Divine Meeting: Mercy and Truth, Righteousness and Peace

The psalm paints a striking picture:

"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”

This imagery finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. At the cross, divine mercy and perfect truth embraced—justice demanded a price for sin, yet mercy provided a way through the sacrifice of Christ. Righteousness and peace were reconciled in Him, making peace with God possible for us.
What a beautiful parallel to snow—though our sins were like scarlet, they are now “white as snow.” Christ's righteousness is not just a covering; it transforms us, making peace between God and man.

Truth Springs Up: The Incarnation and the Work of Redemption

The psalm continues:
"Truth shall spring out of the earth."
This points to multiple layers of meaning:

■ The Incarnation of Christ
• Jesus, the Truth, sprang forth from the earth—He took on flesh and dwelt among us.
• Just as a seed is buried and rises to new life, so Christ was laid in the grave but rose again, bringing righteousness to all who believe.

■ The Work of Righteousness in Us
• When we receive Christ’s righteousness, it bears fruit in our lives.
• Truth, once hidden, now springs forth as we walk in the newness of life.

Just as snow melts and waters the earth, bringing forth new life in the spring, so righteousness produces a harvest of holiness in our lives.

Righteousness Shall Go Before Him: Walking in His Steps

The psalm concludes:
"Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps."
When God’s righteousness falls like snow, it does not leave the earth unchanged. It carves a path—a way of holiness that leads us forward. Christ, our righteousness, has gone before us, preparing the way for us to walk in Him.
It is not enough to be covered by righteousness; we are called to walk in it. Just as the snow settles and forms a pathway, God’s righteousness leads us step by step in His will.

Let It Fall Like Snow

In conclusion, the imagery of righteousness falling like snow is more than poetic—it is the very essence of the gospel.

• Just as snow blankets the earth, covering its imperfections, so Christ’s righteousness covers our sin.
• Just as snow nourishes the land, bringing renewal, so righteousness produces fruitfulness in our lives.
• Just as snow melts into the soil, changing its nature, so righteousness transforms us from within.

The call for us is to receive this righteousness, to walk in it, and to bear fruit from it. We do not produce it; we simply stand beneath heaven’s open sky and let it fall upon us.

May His righteousness cover you today—pure, abundant, and freely given.

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