Scarlet

U2 LYRICS

Rejoice

We were bound to get here eventually but I thought that it would take until I reached The Unforgettable Fire album, an (almost) instrumental song.  The lyric above represents all of the lyrics (it is repeated a few more times during the song).

scar·let [skahr-lit] –noun: a bright-red color inclining toward orange.

While on the surface this may be confusing, couple it with this verse from the Old Testament…

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (KJV)

…and you might see a reason for rejoicing.  I mentioned my personal troubles with forgetting past sins in a previous blog and this one appears to be in the same theme.  This reminds me of one of my favorite songs by a group called The Waiting.  On one of their (too few in number) albums there is a song called How Do You Do That?  In this song, the band wonders how God can have all these awesome attributes and yet be so forgetful (when it comes to past, forgiven sins).

I’ve known your forgiveness for each and all of my days
But the way you’ve forgotten leaves me truly amazed

You know the hairs on my head, You named every star
Buy I’m bowing my knee at how forgetful you are

How is it possible to forget something on purpose?  I do not know.  Perhaps this is a reason for rejoicing, the fact that there is someone who can.

Jon