Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Flowers (10/03/05)
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TITLE: Lilies of the Valley | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pat Sciancalepore
10/04/05 -
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I find it interesting that in all the new testament only one flower is mentioned, -- the lily of the field (or valley). Jesus told us to consider these lilies, so let’s do just that, not just within the context of which he spoke, but we’ll take it a little beyond to see why these flowers in particular are mentioned.
They are not particularly showy; they are short plant, with small, white blossoms. In fact, in religious art, lilies are the symbol of humility. They don’t scream and shout how wonderful or glorious they are. They simply and quietly teach their lessons of purity, love, happiness, and faithfulness.
A look at a gardening catalog produces a harvest of applications to the Christian life for those who want to “consider the lilies”.
Let’s start with the obvious. They are white, a symbol of purity. “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. ” (1 Timothy 4:12)
The lily of the valley is a very fragrant bloom, described in gardening catalogs as a “sweet perfume.” “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph: 5:2.
To a florist, the Lily of the Valley symbolizes a “return to happiness.” “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:24
The Lily of the valley is a “slow, but aggressive spreader.” “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6
“Constant moisture will keep the plants green throughout the growing season.” But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." ” John 4:14
Time of bloom - Early spring: “And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead;” Matthew 28:7
Propagation – division: Transplants - easily “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4
Therefore, as we consider the lesson of the lilies, let us live our lives as examples of love, faith, humility, and purity, thereby making our very lives, as imitators of Christ, a sweet fragrance to God. If you have not been close to God lately, come back. Come back to the living, life-giving waters that only He can provide. And most importantly, spread the word!
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