I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys. 2 Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.
The Shulamite proclaims who she is in the eyes of the king. Her identity is found in being loved by God and loving Him in return. This is her holy resolve; to walk in her identity in the midst of this world. She refuses to be like Esau, who gave up his birthright to satisfy his cravings for this world.
The “Rose of Sharon” is the chief among flowers; known for its beauty and fragrance. This speaks of being lovely to God.
The “lily” speaks of purity. The “valleys” speaks of the low dark places.
The King reaffirms in declaring that she is a “lily among thorns.” Thorns came with the curse when Adam sinned in the garden. As “in the valley,” thorns speak of sin. Jesus sees love and obedience in the midst of a dark and fallen world.
Though we are in the world, we are not of the world. Jesus calls us to not conform to this world, but to identify with Him. from the smallest movements of our hearts to the biggest acts of love to God; we are beautiful to Him. We stand out as a people set apart for Him.
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Zack Roberts — zackroberts.blog
Prayer Director at Ember
