Jesus used metaphors drawn from nature and stories to teach people about who He was, who God was, and what the kingdom of God was about. His teaching style is fascinating to study. Jesus was very different from what his listeners conceptualized God to be. He did not use lofty language and grand proclamations in his preaching and teaching. He stayed away from intellectual arguments. His simple lessons were ones people could relate to, taught in stories all could understand, and most importantly, spoke to the conditions of their hearts.
In two of the gospels, writers Matthew and Luke narrate Jesus’ efforts to encourage his followers to think about lilies, how they grow. Without much effort on their part, lilies appear resplendent and beautiful in the world. To the Jewish people of the dusty province of Galilee, King Solomon was legendary. Stories of King Solomon’s fame, his achievements, his wealth and gold, his lavish lifestyle, his numerous wives and children, and his poetry and godly wisdom surely took root in their imaginations as they were passed down through the generations. King Solomon, larger than life, would have been culturally embedded in their minds and hearts as the epitome of human splendor and majestic glory. He was greater than all the kings in the earth in both possessions and wisdom.
Within this common understanding, Jesus says a startling thing. A simple, yet unique flower possesses a beauty that far surpasses the splendor and wisdom of Israel’s greatest king. Jesus tells the crowd that God dresses the lily with so much beauty it outshines the full array of Solomon’s glory.
Jesus’ message is timeless, speaking powerfully into lives over the centuries. These ancient words remind his followers today to consider the lilies. How they grow. And how they do not have to work to burst out in shimmering color. And the reason for that.
-
Salvation Bucket
Two frogs fell into a bucket of cream, or so I’ve heard it told. The sides of the bucket were shiny and steep, the cream was deep and cold. “Oh, what the us?” said No. 1, “”Tis fate-no help’s around. Goodby, my friend. Goodbye, sad world.” And weeping still, he drowned. But No. 2, of
-
The Greater the Struggle
Someone shared the thought with me that the “greater the struggle, the greater the victory.” Although the relationship of suffering to God’s care is a bit obscure and has puzzled theologians for centuries, I share a similar thought that I read this morning. Testings are raining upon me which seem beyond my power to endure.
-
God’s Care: Two Subway Stories
Random acts of kindness. Is it possible to experience God’s care through the ordinary every day kindnesses of other people? Two subway events happened to me that make me think of God and His care for me…more than a lily of the field. The second one happened the other day. I’m reversing the order because
-
Who will notice?
Have you ever been in a crowd where no one knows you – or even notices you? I have had that experience. When there are approximately 1 million blogs on the internet, how will the words of one attract a following? By being relevant, cool, up-to-date, graphic, loud, innovative, attract attention in 3 seconds or
-
A lily at home
As the nexus of this blog, an asiatic lily that I planted last year happens to be in full bloom in my garden. Lilies do not bloom long, so if you are the type to be so caught up with other things that you do not notice your garden for a week, the beautiful flowers
Consider the Lilies 
You must be logged in to post a comment.