As I was walking the forest path this morning, I was struck by a few early signs of spring. A dandelion had broken through its tight bud and was basking in the sunshine. Soon the woodland violets will appear from under their leaf cover. It reminded me of suddenly finding a bright stalk of blue lobelia that was blooming after all its companions had died. These flowers remind me of the Israelites and sometimes of our struggles to live in a world that is not our home, but one in which the Lord places us for a time. I thought you might enjoy this excerpt from The Artistry of God written during one of my walks on Nantucket. It’s a reminder of the Lord’s mission for us, His remnant.
“But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary.” (1)
“There is always a remnant.
In the desert of our souls, God provides hope that we might know His unfailing love. Nature, His signature, reflects this remnant both in and out of season. In early winter, our expectation of bright green leaves and soon opened blossoms carries us forward into spring. June’s abundance of climbing roses washing over trellises and rooftops pours out the summer in a riotous display.
In late September, however, the appearance of a single pink rose poignantly reminds us of the season’s end and the coming of winter. Even here, He has set apart a remnant, filled with His life, saved for that final appearance.
The stalwart, yet gentle, pink blossom framed against the grey and silver lattice, blooms joyously under its yoke of God. Long past its season, the fragrant flower pushes out its destiny hidden within that tight green bud. Bursting forth into bloom, it courageously yields to the quiet warmth of the September sun. How like the rose we are, clothed in our eternal destiny, responding to His light and warmth. As in triumph, the revelation of that pink character amid the cool autumn breezes robs death once more of its place and reminds us of the hope of His coming.
In autumn or winter, His hand reveals a portion of His faithfulness in each of my walks. Like the tribe of Judah, each portion of the remnant is somewhat different. The rose that blooms in the September sun. The bright blue periwinkle tucked away in December’s anonymity on the sheltered hillside behind my cottage. Or the dandelion, that in February, still hugs the ground in its warm sunny spot along the path on my morning walk. Each flower singles out my eye by its color against the waning sun, a testimony of hope, a reminder of His provision. It’s never too late in a season to receive a new life.
Nature reflects His glory. And one day, it will fill all the earth. Each flower is a reminder of that new and final season to come. God chose His Son to bring that hope. And it is our choice, as part of the remnant, to believe both in and out of season, but particularly through the winter seasons of our lives.”
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (2)
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
- Ezra 9:8 NIV
- The Artistry of God, Rebecca S. Parkinson, 2022, Pages 127-128
