Red Roses

You've heard the phrase, "I'm a visual person," or perhaps even, "I'm a visual learner." To these common phrases I will add, "I am a vision". Now before you think I have suddenly gone over the falls of vanity, let me explain.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters,"(Genesis 1:1-2NIV).

All of heaven and earth was first conceived in the mind of God before He stated, "Let there be". Therefore, before I, Tracy, was created in my mother's womb, I was...a vision in the mind of my Creator. You were too. The thrilling part of this perspective for me, is that I am more than a snap shot to the Lord. I am a perpetual vision. For the Lord God has in mind a picture of who I am yet to become...tomorrow, next year and in eternity. Like a rosebud still on the vine, I am a rose in various stages of bloom: never anything but a rose, but daily altered by the sun.

Keeping with this analogy, let us consider the roses form, for the rose symbolizes so much of who we are as children of God.

First we consider the root of the rose, for life is sustained primarily by the root. Though tucked deep in the soil, hidden and out of sight, the roots of faith in the believer soak up the Living Water. Dependent on the Word of God the rose drinks deeply when first planted. For in order to produce hearty stalks and blooms the roots must be well nourished and strong.

Secondly we look to the vine. From it's beginning it springs forth with prickly thorns. These of course resemble the sinful nature of our flesh. How careful one must be with the vine, for if our flesh is not handled with caution we will likely pierce others.

Our third comparison is between the new bud and the human heart: both at first hard and shut up tight. However, the hearts that are planted in the presence of the Son, have a remarkable future in store. Through daily exposure to the Son's radiance its
petals slowly begin to bend. Before long--like arms spread wide before the glory of God--the rose blooms completely: unveiling its lovely core.

Thus, the rose fills the garden with a beautiful fragrance, causing others to stop and take note of its pleasant aroma. Yet, finding purpose beyond its beauty, the rose offers itself for the good of others: those like honey bees who are drawn to its sweet secretion. For this is the greatest purpose and pleasure of the rose...to share the nectar of heaven.

How marvelous is the bloom on the vine when it has spent its days abiding in the Light of the World. And yet, every rose knows, their finest blooms are yet to come through the pruning of the Gardener.

I wish this was not the case. How wonderful would it be to spend our days soaking up the Living Word and basking in the rays of glory. Yet, the testimony of the rose shows us, the sharp edge of the sheers strengthen the stalk and encourage new growth. Season after season, the rose endures, spring, summer, fall and winter. A cycle of death to the flesh and rebirth in the heart. For this is what I believe the apostle Paul was referring to when he penned;

"...what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," (Philippians 1:19-21NIV).

Yes, we know the vine of the rosebush produces more vibrant roses when it is pruned. Still, what rose cries out for the sheers? No, the flower merely surrenders its will to that of the Gardner who knows best where to snip and cut away. Who can bare to see their ugly, bloom less, form in the winters of life? More so, who among the garden stops to admire--let alone notice--the thorny mass cut low in a sea of manure?

Ah, but the gardener, who tends to the vine, who tills the soil, waters the roots and protects its environment, has a vision of the blooms to come. Patiently, through the winter frost, He waits with anticipation for spring. When He will stroll through the garden and admire the work of His hands.

We are indeed a perpetual vision. A vision created in the mind of Almighty God. Though the world may curse our thorns, look upon our humbled vines with disdain, pass by our prettiest bloom, or gag on our heavenly fragrance, we remain the garden's most lovely flower. The glory of our Lord.

I just had a thought. Is it a coincident the red rose is most associated with love? A beautiful symbol of the child of God, covered in the blood of Christ.
How beautiful is heaven's rose!