Crowns Part IV

“Fruit of the mystic Rose as of that Rose the Stem: The Root, whence mercy ever flows, -- the babe of Bethlehem!”

This verse is definitely the most Catholic in leaning depending on how you choose to interpret it. The “mystic rose” frequently refers to Mary in Catholic circles. However, this has also been used to refer to the title, The Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1). I think both can be useful – if we apply the full counsel of God’s Word. See, the writer appropriately recognizes that even if Mary is the rose – Jesus is still the stem. He is still the source and beginning. While I disagree with those who seek to deify Mary, I do think we should still appreciate what she did. I think that in our fear of seeming “too Catholic” we sometimes miss the tremendous sacrifice, trust, faith, and hope that the earthly mother of Christ displayed. There is much we can learn from her life on a very practical and spiritual level that does not require us to attribute divine characteristics to her.

The second idea though, The Rose of Sharon is what I would like to spend a little more time on today since we are getting close to Valentines Day. Some commentators choose to read Song of Solomon as an allegory for God and Israel, Christ and the Church, or simply God and people in general. While I think we can find rich application in some of those views, I believe it is a love story. Some object and ask why God would include a fairly explicit love song in the middle of Scripture. However, I will remind you he also includes the tale of Samson, rape, incest, love at first sight, friendship, and many other instances or examples of strong emotions that led to healthy or unhealthy choices. He doesn’t condone all of those aspects of feelings – some are abhorrent perversions of what he intended. Still, when you think about how brutally vivid parts of the Bible are, it shouldn’t be surprising that he would include the tale of a beautiful love story. Some have said the man is Solomon and the Shulamite was his first wife. I don’t know if that is true. The Bible doesn’t record him marrying anyone before the daughter of Pharaoh, but at the very least he seems to have written the tale down for official records.

So, what is a rose of Sharon? There is debate about the type of flower meant by this title. Some say it is a lily, some a rose, others that it is a crocus, or a common flower in a field. It is difficult to say exactly what the author meant, but one thing should be clear – he is contrasting himself with his love and drawing attention to her beauty. He is a flower that blooms in the wild untamed places. He may be beautiful or handsome, but he is not extraordinary (his love disagrees vehemently). In contrast, his love is a “Lily among thorns” (Song of Solomon 2:2). She is gentle, fair, gracious, and tender in comparison to (and perhaps in spite of) those who surround her. She is beautiful – despite her circumstances. As we move into Valentine’s Day, I would challenge us to consider a few things.

1. Speak love and life to people. I’m not saying to compromise truth. However, we sometimes get so busy and distracted by everything happening around us that we settle for flowers or chocolate as a cheap substitute for words that affirm and time that allows us to invest in people.

2. Seek to build one another up. Find time to encourage those around you. No, you don’t have to recite poetry, but we can affirm those around us.

a. Husbands find time to reiterate your love for and faithfulness to your wives (not just in word but in deed). Let her know that you see her as the best choice, not simply because she is beautiful, but because she is the one you entered into a covenant relationship with before God.

b. Wives look for ways to affirm your respect and appreciation for your husbands. Let him know that he is not a common “flower” and you are still choosing to love him and uphold him in prayer.

c. I’m not pretending that either of these practices are easy – and I’m obviously not married so you can ignore my recommendations if you want. However, for what it’s worth – I believe these practices are Biblical and practical. After being involved in ministry and observing ministry for many years, all of the marriages I have seen struggle are failing in these areas. I’m not saying there aren’t other problems (there often are), but somewhere along the way the couples stopped communicating. They stopped affirming. They stopped actively choosing love, faithfulness, and trust. They stopped centering their lives and relationship on Biblical truth and relied on feelings. Our emotions are unreliable – the choice of love (true love) is that of our will and is rooted in God’s character. I pray that you will find your sufficiency in him – and then love your spouse out of the overflow.

d. All of my single friends who maybe have mixed feelings about February 14th and may be struggling with a need for affirmation and support – I see you. Valentine (the original man), never married and ministered to persecuted Christians until his own martyrdom (very romantic right?). Nowhere in that story will you find flowers being sent to work. However, we do find the pattern of sacrificial love and compassion that caused him to be faithful – even until death. I would challenge you – don’t seek a relationship while you’re lonely. Don’t look for someone to complete you. Marriage is meant to be a covenant and settling for whoever is available will lead to misery, frustration, and a lifetime of heartache. Find your sufficiency in Christ first and if he brings someone along the way – great, but don’t seek contentment there. Even a godly marriage was never meant to validate or affirm us enough to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. We were made for eternity and for Christ. Anything less than his sufficiency will turn us into leeches who suck the life out of people and relationships without leaving us satisfied. After watching countless people try to work through marriage counseling, I am completely convinced it is better to be alone, and sometimes feel lonely, as we learn to trust Christ’s heart and plan than it is to rush out and find yourself lonely and trapped in a marriage relationship.

e. Love is so much more than what we have created with little cherubs and candy, but even that day with all it’s current trappings can be a good reminder to love sacrificially – regardless of circumstances.

After all, that is what Jesus did. He left perfection, came to fulfil prophecy by being born in Bethlehem, died, and rose again. He died for the unlovable. He is the branch and the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). He existed long before David yet became human and was born into his line so that mercy can flow. He came to demonstrate his love. God could not simply ignore sin. He either had to judge – or an appropriate sacrifice had to be made. He provided the only possible sacrifice so that mercy could be extended.

1 John 4:19 is a poignant reminder that the only reason we can love, is because “He first loved us.” We can celebrate love and should! However, in the middle of pink and red confetti – while wading through confusing messages regarding what love is or should be – and trying to ignore the voice (that echoes a little louder this time of year) that reminds us we are alone – remember the source of love. It has always been about choosing what is best for the other person. Love is, by definition, sacrificial and unselfish. It never fails because it is an intrinsic characteristic of God. Love gives (John 3:16), love actively demonstrates (Romans 5:8), love rejoices (Zephaniah 3:17), love beings intimacy and connection (1 John 1:3), love is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9), love sacrifices (John 15:13), love endures (Psalm 136:26), love conquers (Romans 8:37), love empowers (1 John 4:9), love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), love (Biblical love that does not compromise truth) is the greatest witness and demonstration of the inward working of God (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Celebrate Valentine’s Day, but more than that – celebrate the love of Christ that makes it possible for us to be accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). Love others well and rejoice that mercy still flows.