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Day 81: True Humility (SoS 2:1)

 "I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys."
Song of Songs 2:1

As soon as she declares herself as a Rose of Sharon, the Bride immediately calls herself a Lily of the Valleys. Just like the rose represents flourishing beauty, the lily is also recognized for its beauty. Lilies however are said to be one of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers you can plant in a garden. 

In Matthew 6:28, Jesus compliments the beauty and elegance of the lilies. He compared them to Solomon, the richest man of his time dressed in his finest clothes, and concluded they were much more stylish and elegant.

Lilies in many parts of the world represent innocence, purity, and rebirth. So it also speaks of the work of grace. Our Beloved Jesus' bitter work of redemption transformed us into pure, innocent beauties and gave us new, recreated spirits and lives.

In Hosea 14:5 God said about Israel:

“I will be like the dew to Israel; He shall grow like the lily...”

Lilies grow really fast and are very fruitful plants. They produce bulbs really quickly hence the reference in the above scripture.

We do not however know for sure whether our text refers to the lily of the valley (a more specific species of lilies) or any of the other many species of lily flower that grow in the valley. We do not know for sure but both communicate the same ideas.

A lily of the valley though very beautiful and tall hangs its head down and lilies growing in the valleys represent uncultivated yet exquisitely beautiful wildflowers growing in hidden places (not exalted for all to see). Both communicate humble beauty. Because of this, there are two schools of thought about this phrase:

1. Although she acknowledges her beauty, her fairness, the beauty without blemishes that the Beloved had been complimenting, she knows she is not the only one! Like her, others are cultivated in the fertile fields of Christ.

This communicates a sense of gratefulness at being admired and loved. It shows she is not arrogant or self-righteous. It is to see ourselves as Christ sees us but also to realize that we grow alongside many other beautiful unblemished lilies. When Elijah told the Lord that he was the only prophet left in Israel in a time of great idolatry and backsliding from God's ways, the Lord informed him that there were 7000 others who had not bowed their knees to idols, but preserved for His will.

It is to have David's grateful disposition when He said in Psalm 8:4 'what is man that you are mindful of him?'.

2. Some think that even though she acknowledges her beauty now, she does not see anything unique or special about herself. There is an improvement in her self-image but she is still lacking full confidence. She still feels unworthy in some way.

Regardless of the school of thought we choose to follow, the message here is to nurture true confident humility. We must never forget that each one of us was intentionally called by the Lord and chosen for intimacy with Him. That makes us unique, beautiful, pure, and unblemished in His eyes.

Jesus when He walked the earth never downplayed or hid His divinity, yet He acknowledged He was human. He bore both the titles Son of God and Son of Man proudly. If we truly see ourselves in the light of Him, we'll be confident in His love and goodness yet live grateful. This is because we are nothing in and of ourselves. His grace alone is what makes us who we are. 

True humility does not mean living with our heads hung down, feeling unworthy, worthless, and speaking degrading words about ourselves. Rather, it is to think highly of ourselves in light of Christ and His work in us without boasting about our human capabilities and qualities.

PRAY WITH ME:
Thank You, my Beloved Jesus, for calling me and choosing me to be Your own. While I am among many others You have redeemed, I know I am unique, special, and incomparable in Your sight. As I bask and live in the confident assurance of Your love and all You have made me, help me to live conscious of the grace You have bestowed. Help me to never take credit for Your goodness. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • What does humility mean to you?
  • How can you cultivate confidence in your God-given identity and yet live without losing sight of His benevolent grace?
  • Read and meditate today on Philippians 2:6-8 and define what humility truly is from Paul's words about Jesus.

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