Jesus and the Lily of the Valley

Writing about the actual flower Lily of the Valley in a different article and on a different platform, as I considered the attributes of the lily of the valley flower, it gave a wonderful look at Jesus and his bride.

Most of us know the phrase 'lily of the valleys' from its mention in Song of Solomon 2:1,2 (NAS), where it says this:

1 I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys.

2 As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.

There the lily of the valleys, which in the plural, refers to the woman in the allegory of the love between Jesus Christ and his bride.

I mention that so there is no confusion that I'm referring to the flower, which of course has a touch of Jesus in it because all of creation has something that was based upon Christ in it when it came forth.

The lily of the valley plant is one that is very robust, and is among the first flowers to emerge in the spring time. After a period of dormancy, they spring forth to reveal themselves; an obvious look into the Lord, who after we go through dry or difficult times, will bring the new growth of spring into our lives through and in Him.

Lily of the valley also prefer partially shady area to thrive in, which of course includes some moisture as their preferred habitat. The shade speaks to me of Christ looking for a place to rest on this earth; a people that want and desire Him to be with them.

The desire for moisture points to a people who are dead to themselves but alive unto God, as the place where Jesus Christ prefers to put down roots. Water symbolizes death in the scriptures, and in the case of the lily of the valley, it won't do well if it lies in puddles of water, rather prefers a slight moisture. That means we aren't to remain dead, but to receive His resurrection life in us that we that were once dead, are now made alive in Him.

It also means we must take up our cross daily and follow Him, symbolized by the consistent need of moisture by the plant and the type of ground that produces the most fruit unto Him.

Another amazing part of the lily of the valley is that which none of us see, as it resides under the ground. These are called rhizome, which could be described as stems that grow underground.

Their amazing amount of interconnection allows them to thrive and expand without anyone observing them knowing how it is happening.

To me that interconnection refers to fellowship in the Lord together. That fellowship, when based solely on Christ, can reproduce itself as the Spirt of God wishes. This means first in quality, but also includes quantity as well.

Finally, the lily of the valley is a poisonous plant. You can't naturally eat of this plant without it causing some awful symptoms.

The world, in any of its manifestations, including religious ones, cannot eat of this plant or enter into it in any way. It's the interconnections hidden under the soil which allow you into this flower family, none other.

Real, organic, Christ-initiated and Christ-centered fellowship is what drives the growth of the lily of the valley. And neither the world or the religious system can partake of it without bearing the effects of the poison.

In other words, this plant and grouping of plants protects itself from those outside of itself who try to eat of only what they outwardly see, and not the hidden place under the ground where natural eyes can't observe.

It can only be partaken of by revelation of and faith in Jesus Christ, which Christ being the chief lily which interconnects all the roots where only spiritual eyes can see and understand, and thus partake in.