The Lily of the Valleys
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. ~Song of Solomon 2:1
Of the many descriptions that we have of our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the favorite ones that is used of Him is that of a flower. In Song of Solomon 2:1, He describes Himself as the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys. It is the description as "the lily of the valleys" that we want to consider and focus upon this morning.
There is the species of the lily.
Like other flowers, a lily is a one-of-a-kind flower based upon its shape, size, fragrance, and acceptance. Like the lily, the Lord Jesus is one-of-a-kind. In fact, Jesus is the only one of His kind. He alone is the only begotten of the Father. He alone is sinless, holy, and separate from sinners. He alone is Lord of lords and King of kings. He alone is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He alone is the resurrection and the life. He alone gave His life to be a sacrifice for the sin of the world. He alone is worthy of our praise and glory. Is Jesus one-of-a-kind in your life as Savior and Lord?
There is the situs of the lily.
Where a lily is planted and blooms is very special. It thrives best where it is able to have deep roots. When it is in full bloom, it towers over other flowers. Lilies occupy a large area mass and present a display of great beauty when they bloom. Jesus thrives best in hearts where He is deeply rooted and towers over all other desires and priorities. Where Jesus is preeminent, there is a display of beauty. There is something beautiful about a life where Jesus is preeminent and in control. How deeply rooted is Christ in you? How much area mass does Jesus occupy in your heart and life today?
There is the smell of the lily.
A lily has a unique and aromatic fragrance that is uniquely identified with its species. In Psalm 45, the superscription of the psalm says that it is a Shoshanna psalm. Shoshannim speaks of the field of lilies. A person walking through a field of lilies will smell of the lilies. It is believed that the smell of lilies induces a person’s senses towards being loving and even romantic. In a similar fashion, there is an aromatic fragrance about Jesus. We should smell like we have walked through the field of lilies with Jesus. We should be a sweet-smelling savor to the saved and unsaved. Our devotional and prayer time should indicate that we have been with Jesus. Our words and answers to men should depict that we have been with Jesus. Is there a sweet-smelling fragrance about you?
There is the significance of the lily.
Jesus said that He is the Lily of the valleys. Someone looking from a mountain and seeing a valley area covered with lilies sees abundance and an area dedicated to this precious flower species. Isn’t that what the gospel message is about? The sowing of the gospel seed is designed to occupy much area. When viewed from afar, the gospel should be seen as permeating a large valley area. It should be viewed with the thought that someone with concern, care, and diligence planted the one seed that resulted in an entire area being filled with lilies. We should want Jesus in every heart, every city, and every nation. When we stand upon a mountaintop, we want to be able to see the Lily of the valleys.
Fill your life this morning with the Lily of the valleys. Let Him occupy all the areas of your life. Let His sweet fragrance be evident to everyone whom you are in contact with.
Have a Christ-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 8-12