THE RESURRECTION LILY

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:25 (KJV)

Last spring, my daughter gave me seven Resurrection Lily bulbs. I planted them. Weeks later, long, dark leaves emerged. After a few weeks, they began to die, disappearing into the ground. During summer, long, sturdy stems came through the soil, sans leaves. Lovely lavender-pink blossoms emerged at the top of the stems.

Once the leaves died into the soil, the lily was resurrected and bloomed beautifully. This flowering habit coincides with Jesus' death and resurrection. He rose to adulthood (the leaves) and began His ministry preaching the Gospel of God's Kingdom. Three years later He was crucified and laid in a tomb (the leaves die back to the soil). After three days Jesus was resurrected (the emerging of the sturdy stem and blooming of the lily flowers). He remained for forty days, spreading the light of His love and truth to His disciples and those who would carry the Word after His ascension to Heaven.

The beautiful flowers last seven to eleven days before they drop off the stem. Jesus' Word lasts forever.

Beneath the soil the bulbs slowly multiply until there are many where one was planted. Jesus' Word multiplies from one believer to another until it spreads around the world. In Matthew 24:35 it states, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, who loved us enough to die for our sins. Thank You for His resurrection so that we may live with You forever. Amen.

©2016 Evelyn B. Ryan