For April 25 – The Rose of Sharon

Recently, I heard a question asked as to why God was called the Rose of Sharon. We see this in Songs of Solomon 2v1 where Solomon writes:

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” (King James Version)

We see within verses 1-3 of Songs of Solomon 2, that comparisons are being made about how the lover, in this case Jesus, stands out among others or in a situation e.g. the lily of the valleys; apple tree among the trees of the wood.

As for the rose of Sharon, we see other translations:

“[SHE SAID] I am only a little rose or autumn crocus of the plain of Sharon, or a [humble] lily of the valleys [that grows in deep and difficult places].” Songs of Solomon 2v1 (Amplified Version)

“I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley.” Songs of Solomon 2v1 (New Living Translation)

“I’m just a wildflower picked from the plains of Sharon, a lotus blossom from the valley pools.” Songs of Solomon 2v1 (The Message)

So who is the Rose of Sharon to us?
Looking through Google, a website gave this description of some of the characteristics of the Rose of Sharon:
“Rose of Sharon blooms profusely, and its attractive flowers are its main selling point. Like other types of hibiscus, rose of Sharon’s flowers bear a striking stamen. Another feature giving the shrub value is its relatively late period of blooming (in the Northeastern U.S., it blooms in August). Rose of Sharon is thus able to offer color when many shrubs have long ceased blooming. A heat-lover, rose of Sharon is also prized by growers in the Southeastern U.S. who crave plants that can stand up to summer's heat. The plant is reasonably drought-tolerant. Don't give up on rose of Sharon, thinking it's dead just because it hasn't leafed out by early summer. Rose of Sharon not only blooms late, but leafs out late, as well.”
(http://landscaping.about.com/od/shrubsbushes/p/rose_of_sharon.htm)

From this, one sees that:
i) It blooms profusely – there is more than enough of it to go round
ii) It is attractive – you are drawn to it
iii) Striking stamen – it is strong
iv) Relatively late blooming period, thus able to offer color when many shrubs have long ceased blooming- it stands out among its counterparts
v) A heat-lover – it can stand the conditions of the sun

And so for us, the Rose of Sharon is not just a wild flower, it is dependable. Even when “it” doesn’t seem to be showing up, it is never late. Jesus is never late. He is very dependable, He will show up, and He is more than able to withstand whatever heat that comes our way. His grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. He provides things profusely – in abundance – for us, and He is indeed very very attractive.
Have a blessed day.

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Verses for praise:
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp; I myself will awake early.” Psalm 57v7&8