The God Of The Lilies

The God of the Lilies

Introduction:

Luke 12:22-28 (NKJV)

Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

This morning, we will take our text from Luke 12:27. In this sermon, Jesus describes the God of the Bible and invites us to consider one frail but beautiful part of creation.

The God of the Lilies.

1. Consider

"Consider..."

Jesus invites His disciples and us "to look reflectively, consider, or contemplate" on the lily or wildflowers.

Reflect: to think quietly and calmly.

Consider: to think about carefully.

Contemplate: to view or consider with continued attention, meditate on.

There are moments when responses of faith are merely acts of obedience based on present words quickened to our hearts by the Spirit, read in the Scriptures, or heard in the preaching of the Word of God.

God's Word also speaks through the creation. Psalm 19 says that the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handiwork. God's Word is the substratum that runs underneath all reality. God's Word is the ground of all reality. Hebrews 1 tells us that God's Word holds all things together. There are patterns built into the fabric of reality that speak to us all if we will but listen.

Read: We can read every moment and ask what God is speaking.

Reflect: We can reflect on the things we see around us everyday to hear more deeply God's message to us.

Respond: We can respond in faith.

It takes intentional work. This is to consider...

2. The Lilies

"...the lilies..."

The lily is a flowering plant frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing beauty, purity, and divine provision. Its references span both the Old and New Testaments, often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and divine attributes.

In Scripture:

1. Song of Solomon 2:1-2: The lily is prominently featured in the poetic and romantic imagery of the Song of Solomon. The beloved describes herself as "a lily of the valleys," to which her lover responds, "Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens." Here, the lily symbolizes purity and beauty, standing out amidst the thorns, which may represent the challenges and impurities of the world. When we consider the lilies as Jesus taught us to, we will find what God thinks of us. He sees you as pure and holy, sanctified. He sees you through the eyes of love!

2. Hosea 14:5: In a prophetic context, God uses the imagery of the lily to describe the future restoration and flourishing of Israel: "I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily." The lily here signifies renewal, growth, and the blessings that come from divine favor. It is God's grace that is over your life. Receive it today!

3. Matthew 6:28-29: Jesus uses the lilies of the field to teach about God's provision and care: "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these." The lilies serve as a reminder of God's meticulous care for His creation, encouraging believers to trust in His provision rather than be consumed by anxiety. God is saying to someone today, Trust me and do my will, and I will take care of you!

(Topical Encyclopedia)

3. How They Grow

"...how they grow: they neither toil nor spin..."

In Creation:

Bulb Growth: Lilies grow from bulbs, which are underground storage organs. These bulbs store nutrients during the dormant season (like winter), allowing the lily to rapidly sprout and grow when conditions are right. This is an efficient survival strategy, especially in climates with harsh seasons. God prepares below the surface, in hidden seasons. Even when it looks like nothing is happening (winter, hardship), He is storing life, beauty, and strength in us for the right time. (Isaiah 61:3 — "beauty for ashes").