LIKE A ROSE

Isa. 35:1

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad . . .

and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.  
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing . . .”

There is a little bush in our back yard that seems to be in an unfortunate place.  It was inadvertently run over by a truck about a year and a half ago.  My wife and I have, little bit by little bit, been building a deck on the back of our house.  In the process of doing that I have kicked and stepped what was left of that bush more times than I can count.  Several times it has appeared to be dead or dying. 

This morning I looked out the window and there, on that battered bush, was a perfectly beautiful rose.   It reminded me how it is with the ways and the Word of God.  We can ignore them, we can abuse them, and we can neglect them; but they still remain a source of life and beauty.  At times when we least expect it, God produces something wonderful for us.

The passage in Isaiah actually describes the time of the Lord’s return.  He will come, as the Scripture says, at a time when we do not expect Him.  But for His people, it will be the most glorious moment in all of history, for the bridegroom comes to receive His bride.  As amazing as it may seem, Christian friends, in the eyes of Jesus, you are the rose!

--- Pastor Keith Andrews