Just as every month has a birthstone, every month also has a
birth flower. The flower for May is the lily of the valley. And it reminds me
of Jesus.
Lilies
Jesus said: “Consider how
the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in
all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Luke 12:27)
Tiny, delicate
lilies of the valley often grow wild. It’s just like Jesus to focus on the
small things we might otherwise not pay attention to—such as mustard seeds,
children, sparrows, tiny lilies.
When looked at up
close, the beauty of the lily of the valley is undeniable. They are dressed in
splendor. By God.
Jesus is a Lily of the Valley
Jesus is often referred to as the “Rose
of Sharon.” This reference comes from the Song of Songs 2:1:
I am a rose of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.
Although the context of Song of Songs
is Solomon’s love for his wife, many biblical scholars believe the scripture
represents Jesus’ words about himself and his desire for a love relationship
with us.
Valleys
Even though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you
are with me… Psalm 23:4)
When was the last
time you walked through a shadowed valley of despair, sorrow or crisis? When we
do, I believe that those valleys are covered with lilies; filled with
sweet-smelling reminders of God’s love and presence.
Several Psalms
begin with notations: to be sung to the tune of Lilies. (Psalm 45, Psalm 60;
Psalm 69; Psalm 80) We don’t know what the tune sounds like, but it must have
been beautiful to God and to men for its reference to have been preserved in
scripture.
So too should our
lives be beautiful to God; our songs to Him filled with praise and clothed in
splendor.
A Lily Amid Thorns
The lily of the
valley is described by botanists as a “hardy” plant, often grown amid thorns.
Jesus was forced to wear a crown of thorns—taking us back again to Song of Songs
2:2 Like a lily among thorns…
…and reminding us
of Jesus.
Happy birthday to
everyone born in May.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving
splendor to even the smallest plant. Thank you for loving even me. When we
think of the delicate lily of the valley, please remind us that it is precious
to you. As are we. Help us live lives that glorify the splendor that is you.
Amen.
WHAT ABOUT
YOU: Have you ever had the chance to see a real
lily of the valley? And smell its delicate fragrance?
3 comments:
Reminded that there are always blessings amidst troubles. Thank you, Jesus.
Oh, Carol, I love lilies. One of these days I'm going to have some. I love that they are often amid thorns. I didn't know that. Wouldn't you love to hear that melody? Someday, we will! Loved this!
@ Pam - "blessings amidst troubles" is a great way to state it. And true.
@ Lynn - oh! It didn't occur to me that we'd get to hear the "lilies" tune in heaven. That will be awesome!
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