Humble beginnings–Glorious ending!

I love flowers!

That isn’t a surprise for those of you that know me.

It’s also not a surprise that I seem to see many life lessons in nature.

Take for example, the peony.

 

The peony has been in the news lately–have you heard? This lovely flower is being featured in the Royal Wedding on May 19. It’s easy to see why, I think.

Peonies are beautiful!

 

 

 

But, peonies aren’t always so splendid. They are humble in their beginnings, rather scruffy and not attractive. Their potential for splendor is at first, hidden.

 

We all have humble beginnings, don’t we? Birth is a miracle, but as infants, we’re rather helpless–a far cry from the potential we have as an adult.

Jesus was born of humble beginnings, too. No doctor or mid-wife in attendance, no hospital, not even a house–Jesus was born in a stable. In his lifetime he was recognized as a knowledgeable and inspirational teacher, although he didn’t have wealth or political power. But, in spite of the many followers Jesus gathered during His time on Earth, our Lord continued to possess humility.

Who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death–even death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus is our Savior. He made the choice to give His life to save ours. But, our Lord was not destined for mortality, but, instead, victory over the grave.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54b-55

In spite of the tragic way in which He died, Jesus was destined for glory. He promised his disciples that they also would have a place with Him in God’s house:

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

And Jesus promised that this heavenly home would be a very special place:

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Like the peony, that begins as a scruffy, obscure plant, but becomes a beautiful blossom, we also have the potential for glory. Whether in our yard, in a beautiful arrangement for a church altar, or for a royal wedding, the peony lets its amazing beauty be seen. And, unlike the beautiful peony, that only shares its glory for a short time, our glorious journey with Jesus continues for eternity.

 

 

But, while we are waiting for our final and eternal destination in paradise with Jesus, part of our journey on earth is living a life in praise and service to our Lord. Our Savior has shown us the way–live with humility, kindness, compassion, and love–for Our Lord and His people.

This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Psalm 66:1-2