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.
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A worship journey
It’s just another Sunday morning, another contemporary worship service. A roomful of people following the words on the overhead, singing, the lady with the amazing voice singing the melody up front with the mic, the rhythm of the worship team swaying through the lyrics. Drums. Focus. Concentrate. The greatness of our God…holy holy…hosanna…the words are
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Strength
It really fascinates me. For whatever reason, in the past fifteen years, I have endured multiple fractures. Two fingers, an elbow, a knee, an ankle, and most recently, a wrist. No, I am not morbidly interested in breaking bones. But the incredible fact, the amazing thing is – that the bones don’t remain broken –
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Meaningful or Meaningless?
I, unlike most talk show hosts, like to make statements that are not controversial. Statements that most people agree with. Maybe it is because I value peace and harmony, and not conflict. So, here’s the statement that I feel works for most, if not all, people (except agnostics and atheists!). Relating to God is very
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Fireworks
Have you stopped to consider the glorious display of fireworks that occurs every October? Just like the month of July, when the 4th holiday sparks off a series of fireworks in the sky – except that these October ones are missing the boom, smoke and ash. It is breathtaking, really. The maples, elms, and oaks
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Without Faith
Faith is quite a mystery. We exercise it every day, yet it seems complicated. It is easy and straightforward, but at the same time hard to get a handle on. It’s essential to life, yet not often acknowledged. And this confusing, but simple concept just happens to be the thing that God wants from us.
Consider the Lilies 
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