THE ROSE OF SHARON

This is not a subject I have covered in my blog before, and I don’t mean it to come across as a sort of sermon as I am not in a position to preach to anyone! However, I believe it to be of interest and hope you will too. When I moved into my present home, over three and half years ago now, I planted, in my garden, a small flower called the Rose of Sharon (which is a type of Hibiscus syriacus). It’s a very beautiful flower, which has a link to biblical times. It is mentioned in the Song of Solomon. Whether mine is the same as the flower mentioned by Solomon, I cannot say for sure, but for arguments sake let’s assume that it is.

KING SOLOMON
King Solomon, was the son of King David and Bathsheba. The name "Solomon" is related to the Hebrew "shalom" meaning "peace. King Solomon was known for his wisdom, his wealth and his writings. His kingdom extended from the Euphrates River, in the north, to Egypt in the south. His crowning achievement was the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Almost all the knowledge we have of him, is derived from the biblical books of Kings I and Chronicles II.

The books that Solomon wrote are found in the Old Testament; they include Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon, from which we find the Rose of Sharon. Most commentators consider the Song of Solomon to have been written in the early part of his life. It is the love story of a man and a woman. The love that Solomon had for his wife, a first love you might say. As the years went on, Solomon strayed away from his God, the God who gave him his wisdom and riches. The bible goes on to tell us that Solomon went after strange women and the gods they worshipped. They took away his heart and Solomon had a mighty fall. In total Solomon, gathered a thousand wives in his lifetime.

But like the Prodical Son, he returned to his heavenly father and went on to write the book of Ecclesiates, where he summed up his life of excess by concluding. “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity”.

THE ROSE OF SHARON
The Rose of Sharon has long been known as a type of or one of the names given to Christ, along many, many others. Like The Alpha and Omega, The Bright and Morning Star, The Lily of the Valley, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Image of the Invisible God, The Only Begotten Son of God, The Son of David, The Son of Man, The Man of Sorrows, The Sun of Righteousness, The Bridegroom, The Lamb of God, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, The Door, The Good Shepherd, The Chief Cornerstone, The Saviour, The Mediator, The Bread of Life, The Water of Life, The Light of the World, The Resurrection and the Life and the list goes on.

The Song of Solomon being a beautiful song that illustrates the love relationship and tender union between Christ and His Church from the beginning of time and through eternity. But how does this rose growing in a small garden in South London, next to a noisy main road and bus stop, be like Christ. Well here are just a few thoughts on the subject.

THE COLOUR OF THE ROSE
The colour of the Rose of Sharon is white with a red centre. The whiteness, Christ purity and sinlessness. The red, his precious blood that washes away sins.

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; Rev 1:14

THE SPLENDOUR AND BEAUTY OF A ROSE
The splendour and beauty of Christ. A beauty that draws people to it, a beauty that is extended and placed upon his children, through Him.

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  Philippians 3:21 




THE SCENT AND FRAGRANCE OF THE ROSE
When you are around flowers, for a reasonable time, the scent of the flowers will permeate your clothes, revealing where you have been. We have all heard of the term ‘smelling of roses’. The more time you spend in fellowship with Christ, the Rose of Sharon, the more you will be like him, it will show in your life. You become a new person in Christ.

THE ROSE REMIND US OF SALVATION
Flowers are pretty much available to all and accessible to all people. Christ is available and accessible to all.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Romans 10:13 

THE HEALING POWER OF THE ROSE
Flowers provide comfort and strength. The rose itself has medicinal value. Rose oils and syrups, and rose water is made from the petals. The rose can be used to treat sore throats, ulcerated mouths, headaches, stomach problems, skin creams for chapped hands, pimples, jaundice, arthritis, infection, dizziness, liver problems and eye problems. The cooling nature of roses are used in treating burning fevers and inflammation.

So it is with Christ, in him we find healing, strength, and comfort. The death of Christ and the shedding of his blood, brought salvation and cleansing to his people.

The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

THE ROSE A TOKEN OF LOVE
Roses are given to those you love or care about. God’s love for mankind meant He gave us His rose, the Rose of Sharon, Jesus Christ..

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16