Celebrating Rose Day
It is Rose Day today and across the globe young couples are very busy planning for the week ahead.
The Valentine's Day week begins with Rose Day. Couples propose to each other with roses. A lot of planning is done for loved ones. Even the older couples go on a surprise date!All of this is done because the human heart longs for love - for companionship. We were created out of love. No doubt, we want love! But, we also know that human love only lasts till the grave!Well then, can we find love beyond the grave? Of course we can!Let me introduce you to the Rose of Sharon - I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1 Jesus is the Rose of Sharon. Jesus reveals himself in 2 ways in this verse:
- Rose of Sharon
- Lily of the valley.
Jesus came from Saron/Sharon.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:35 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Isaiah 35:1-26 features in the Rose of Sharon:- Thorns - The fragrance of the Rose lies in its thorns. Only after the thorns are formed does the Rose bloom. The Rose is a soft, tender flower. When the winds blow, the thorns prick the petals and that's how the sweet fragrance emanates from the flower.And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:29-31Not only was Jesus born in suffering, He died in a greater suffering. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, piercing into His flesh. But He never spoke a word against them. We will be spat, stripped, mocked and branded, but let's give out the fragrance of Jesus by our lives.- Red - A Rose is red in colour. Red refers to suffering. Jesus suffered for mankind, shed blood for our sins and sickness and absolute freedom. The Word of God says, even if our sins are like scarlet, the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sins.- Fragrance - Rose has its own fragrance. This attracts the bees towards it. Jesus is fragrant. He offered a Himself to be an offering and sacrifice to God as a sweet smelling savour.And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:2 - Honey - The Queen of Sheba was drawn to the wisdom and wealth of King Solomon. She was astounded by the extent of wealth and wisdom. She had never seen anything like this before.Only those who have tasted sweet Jesus and the Word of God will enjoy Him. Have a character that is sweet. Yet correct in love.- Petals - These petals come together and become one Rose. This refers to fellowship and unity.That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. John 17:21, 24- Tender - We need to be tender in our approach. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5 Jesus has always been tender towards us. It's because of His mercies we aren't destroyed. Let's present the tenderness of Christ through our lives.Be blessed!