Consider how the wild flowers 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
Go outside and look around. Take in the trees, the flowers, animals, and the way the wind blows. Look at the sky in the evening. Don’t you just marvel at the setting of the sun? Luke 12:27 reminds us that man does not have the ability to make things as beautiful as God. Not even Solomon’s majestic finery can compare for his was made by man. Solomon had to toil and spin despite his glory but still couldn’t compare to the effortless lilies in the field.
God’s creation reveals His beauty to the world.
Let us consider the lilies.
The lily symbolizes devotion and humility; it is an emblem of loveliness or purity. Lilies have been most associated with King Solomon. It is mentioned 15 times in the Bible; 8 of those mentions occur in SOS (Song of Solomon). We’re first introduced to the lily in the building of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:19; 1 Kings 7:22; 1 Kings 7:26; 2 Chronicles 4:5). I noted a few things about lilies while studying verses on this sweet flower: it grows in fields, in the valleys, and even among thorns. In SOS 2:2, the church is compared to a “lily among thorns”. In SOS 5:13 the young woman compares her beloved’s lips to lilies.
The lily is also a beautiful picture of Christ (SOS 2:1). I love the five comparisons between the lily of the valley and Christ, Benjamin Keach gives in his book “Preaching from the Types and Metaphors of the Bible”:
1. A lily is a sweet and a fragrant flower with a strong scent. Our Lord Jesus has a sweetness in His ministry especially when He gave “himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
2. A lily is white and very beautiful. White is a symbol of purity (Revelation 3:4). What better representation of the purity of Jesus Christ, the one “who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), who “did no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), who was tempted “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). and who “in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5), than a beautiful white lily?
3. A lily is very fruitful. One root may put forth fifty bulbs. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He brings forth much fruit (John 12:24).
4. A lily, according to the ancient writer Pliny, is the tallest of flowers and yet hangs its head down. This a beautiful picture of the greatness of the Son of God matched only by the greatness of His humility (Philippians 2:6-8).
5. The lily has many medicinal qualities. According to ancient teaching, it could be used to restore a lost voice, help faintness, was good for the liver, and helped to reduce fluid retention. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the great physician and is fully capable of curing all diseases and maladies of the soul.
When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, He tells us to consider the lilies (Matthew 6:28-29). When we’re anxious, He wants us to look at nature and He uses birds as an example in Matthew 6:26. We can’t look into tomorrow, neither can the birds. The birds don’t worry for the Great Provider always provides for them. We shouldn’t worry over things we can’t control for worrying cannot add an extra hour to our life (Matthew 6:27); rather, it shortens our lifespan. Besides, Jesus tells us to come out of the world and if we were to worry constantly, how are we any different from the world (Matthew 6:31-32)?
Diana, that was absolutely beautiful!! I loved it!! You did an awesome job of giving such a well-rounded and accurate picture of Jesus Christ, too, and of what our relationship with him should be like, too. Wonderful words of encouragement and hope and healing!!
You said: “In SOS 2:2, the church is compared to a “lily among thorns”. In SOS 5:13 the young woman compares her beloved’s lips to lilies. The lily is also a beautiful picture of Christ (SOS 2:1).”
On an aside. My name is Susan Jane Love. My maiden name was Thorn. Susan means “lily” or “lily of the valley” or rose or “rose of sharon” which are names given to Jesus Christ. Jane means “YAHWEH is gracious.” And, Love means agape love, which prefers what God prefers. But, first I was a Thorn, so I was a lily among Thorns and still am because I still have Thorn relatives. 🙂
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All glory to God! He’s the Driving Force behind this blog and I’m just the passenger.
Your names are beautiful and the significance behind them even more so! Thank you for sharing. 💙
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You are welcome. Again, all glory to God!
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W
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Ooops…hit the sent button before I finished commenting.
Wonderful post!! It gives me a better understanding of the lily symbolism used in the Bible. How easily I forget that God clothes all of creation and it is indeed beautiful. If He cares for the flowers, how much more will He care for me. Worries do nothing but bring you down. A daily lesson in trusting God!
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It’s quite okay. It happens to me sometimes, too. 😄
All glory to God! I, too, tend to forget how God cares and provides for His creation so this study was a beautiful reminder of His goodness and mercy for me. Yes! Amen! We should put our worries away as we work in trusting the Lord more.
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Amen! As I heard a pastor say, worries rob us of today’s joy.
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The pastor is spot on!
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Isn’t it beautiful the revelations the LORD gives you through His word? This is.a blessing to read. Specific, straight to the point, can I get a witness revelation. 🙂
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Amen to that! He has been showing me some wonderful and beautiful things lately! Only He can reveal such treasures!
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Your devotion to God is so beautiful
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He always have my back and my heart belongs to Him. 😄
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How beautiful
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Thank you. 😊
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My pleasure always
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Amen & Amen! Yes! Beautiful message and study of scripture overall. Love each picture of the lilies! Such picturesque flowers from the Garden of God! ❤ He doesn't wants us to worry about tomorrow but let tomorrow worry about itself. He has already provided for us. He's more interested in who we are becoming by seeking His kingdom first! Glory to God! Thank you LORD! God's richest blessings upon you!
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To God be the glory! I’m just the passenger in the vehicle He’s driving. Thank you, chica! Amen! Today, the now, the present is what matters. Tomorrow belongs to Him. Yes! Amen! Thank you and may God continue to bless you. 💙
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Amen! Yessssss!!!! You’re most welcome Dee, no problem! Yes Amen! You’re welcome again & always lol Amen in His name.
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💙💙😄
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If we live for Him every day, we will never have to worry about our tomorrow! A wonderful share!
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Amen, my brother! 🙌
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Wonderfully written! I enjoyed your discussion, and I learned while reading. The Lily is definitely a plant destined to show our love toward our Savior Jesus.
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All glory to God! Yes, the lily definitely is suiting when it comes to His pure love. Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate it. Have a great weekend! 😄
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