CONSIDER THE LILIES by J. E. Evans

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 21, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 16.

“CONSIDER THE LILIES.”

By J. E. Evans

In order to succeed in any undertaking it is necessary for us to consider its nature, value, and the best methods of procedure. “Consider the lilies how they grow.” Here is a beautiful object lesson, taught by the first and greatest Teacher of mankind. Let all consider it well. In this the Infinite would reveal to the finite the perfection of His wonder-working power and the necessary attitude on the part of those who would “know the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe.”

Man with his limited capacity can not comprehend the perfection of that power by a general survey of the wonderful works of God. One particular object in creation is sufficient to engage his attention at one time. He will learn much of God by thinking upon the works of God closest to him; yet it is profitable to take an occasional glance at the glory of the heavens, and the greatness of his Creator as displayed on land and sea, that he may ever keep in mind the majesty of the One who requires implicit obedience from all His creatures. “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him?”

“Consider the lily.” Consider how it grows. The lesson, then, which we are to learn is the conditions necessary to growth; and growth in the spiritual life is aptly illustrated here by reference to growth in plant life. There are many species of the lily, one differing from another, yet all growing by the same power. One grows upon the dry land, watered by the dew and rain from heaven; another can live only when in water; there it thrives with its roots in the midst of filth at the bottom of the pool. Silently yet securely it grows until its leaves are unfolded, and soon the delicate flower discloses its beauty to the eyes of the passer-by. This fragrant blossom is the product of the life of God. His hand brought it forth from its seclusion in the slimy deep. “And yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Luke 12:27.

As was His custom, the Saviour referred to objects with which those to whom He was talking were familiar. If He were speaking to those who had never seen a lily, He would in all probability have called to their attention something which they had the opportunity to study. In either instance the lesson taught would be the same; but our Lord chose a plant some kind of which grows in nearly every clime. Thus He would teach us that as these lilies differ one from another, yet manifesting forth the same life, and speaking in unison to the praise of their Author, so those in whose hearts that beneficent power should operate, would differ one from another, and thereby reveal some different phase of the character of God.

All the works of God are perfect, and will bear the closest scrutiny; the more carefully they are examined, the more do they reveal the wisdom of their Maker. If with reverence we pursue this study, our hearts are drawn out to the One upon whom our existence, like that of the lily, depends. We love the beautiful, and this is one reason why we are inclined to despise ourselves because of a consciousness of inner impurity which continually manifests itself in selfishness. But let us stop a moment. God would have us know that that power which produced the tender lily can also produce a tender heart, and create it anew in Christ Jesus; and as the lily grows up out of the mire, revealing its glory upon the quiet waters, so the life of Christ in human flesh will cause us to grow up into Him, and in this flesh will be unfolded the glory of that life. Then consider the lilies, and be content with the place God has given you.

“Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Heb. 3:1. Of Him we have often sung—

“He’s the Lily of the Valley,” etc.

And the Word says, “And Jesus increased [“advanced,” R.V.] in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. Of Israel it is said, “I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow [margin, “blossom”] as the lily.” Hosea 14:5. This will be true of the children of God when they “consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.” Unless we do this, we must become weary and faint in our minds, and, like the flower, must wither, being separated from the “root.”

If we would consider Christ, we must do so in the way and by the means that God has appointed—even His Word. In this way we may all become acquainted with the different phases of that life that was given for man. We consider Him. We learn to love Him. We are drawn to Him; and being drawn to Him, He imparts to us His own life. Thus to know Him is life eternal. Thus to be acquainted with Him is life and peace. Being united to Him, we grow up “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” This is man redeemed. This is man glorified. It is man in the blossom, and this blossom shall never fade away. It is all brought about by beholding Jesus in the Scriptures of truth, and by our considering Him there. This last thought is couched in the words, “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” 2 Tim. 2:7.

J. E. EVANS.

New Orleans, Louisiana.