By Pastor Mark Moreno

Look For Beauty

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

As a father, I was blessed to have two boys and a daughter and I love them so very much. It some ways, it may have been tough for my daughter (and my wife) to be outnumbered by boys in the house. Growing up, it had to have been a challenge to have two brothers that never really made time for “girly things.” And let me tell you, my daughter loved to wear dresses and makeup and in particular, would wear a lot of pink. She was so cute! Now she is just beautiful!

That whole phrase, “Pretty in Pink” is etched into my brain as a child that grew up in the 1980s and the famous movie of the same title with the so-called “Brat Pack” movie stars. Oddly enough, I don’t think I ever watched the whole movie through and truly couldn’t tell you the first thing about it.

But the Bible does have a “pretty in pink” passage. So to speak!

The “Rose of Sharon” and “lily of the valley” are both phrases from the Song of Solomon 2:1, where the speaker declares love for another. The “rose of Sharon” is believed to be a beautiful, fragrant flower from the Sharon plain, while the “lily of the valleys” refers to another delicate and fragrant wildflower from fertile areas.

In the Song of Solomon 2:1 It begins,

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.”
English Standard Version

I can’t help but think of Jesus words,

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
Matthew 6:28-29, ESV

There is beauty in God’s creation, no matter what color. There is beauty in whatever it is that God has given: A family, a home, a job, a church and the list goes on. Part of our job is to find beauty in different parts of this life and of this world.

Some Christian interpretations see these flowers, the rose of sharon or the lily of the valley, as symbols or names for Jesus Christ, representing his beauty, purity, and humility. Our Lord Jesus is our salvation, He is our Lord and Savior!

You are precious in the sight of God and you are so very valuable in His sight. I pray that in the midst of your life that you never forget His love for you and that He goes with you, each and every step of the way.

May God both create beauty in your life and give you the ability to see it anew each day. Blessings on your journey of faith as you trust in God’s promises!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado