The Rose of Sharon?

Even though I don’t have a green thumb, I planted a rose. After weeks of tender loving care, my little rosie burst into bloom! And what a lovely bloom! 

I carefully cut it and ceremoniously carried it into the house and put it into a glass of water. The fragrance was sooooo sweet!  

Traditionally, Jesus is sometimes called the Rose of Sharon. However, the term is only used once in the Bible and it wasn’t in reference to Jesus (Song of Solomon 2:1). The term is not even found in ancient texts; making its first appearance in 1611 in the King James Bible. 

Nevertheless; “The Rose of Sharon” is traditionally used as symbolism to represent Christ. Tradition and poetic license can be beautiful, albeit; misleading. However, the scripture does use ‘fragrance’ as an illustration of Christ in us.  

In Philippians 4: 18, the Apostle Paul used the illustration of fragrance to show the church at Philippi how God views acts of giving. When we love Him the “fragrance” of our attitudes through witness and giving rise before Him and give Him great pleasure.  

In II Corinthians, Christ in us is described as an “exquisite fragrance”.  Much poetic license has been taken in calling Jesus “the rose of Sharon”.  But, the “fragrance” of Christ in my own life should be very real; filling the room with Christ’s love wherever I go.  

 II Corinthians 2: 14-15—In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.  (The Message)

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