Apr 03 – A Rose Among Thorns!

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys” (Song of Solomon 2:1).

A rose is always found among thorns. When strong winds blow, the petals of the rose are often pierced by those thorns. Yet, as if in gratitude, the rose responds by spreading its sweet fragrance.

In the same way, Jesus Christ, the Rose of Sharon, lived among the thorns of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes. They constantly criticized Him, always trying to find fault with Him, and looked for ways to condemn Him. Yet in the midst of them, He remained blameless, spreading the fragrance of divine love.

If even Lord Jesus Christ had to endure thorns and afflictions, will there not be thorns in your life as well? Jesus strengthens us today with these words: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Among thorns there are two kinds—those that can be seen and those that cannot be seen. The visible thorns were: the cruel crown of thorns on His head, the nails in His hands, the nails piercing His feet, the spear in His side, and the lashes upon His body. The invisible thorns were the reproach, humiliation, mockery, and ridicule. On the road to the cross and on the hill of Golgotha, how many such thorns pierced His heart!

Jesus came to His own, yet His own did not receive Him. One disciple denied Him; another betrayed Him; the rest forsook Him and fled. The thorn of loneliness pierced Him deeply. He cried out: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” What a cry of anguish!

There is a story of a young man whose beloved asked him to bring her a red rose. It was winter season, and though he searched everywhere, he could not find any rose. Seeing his distress, a nightingale flew far and wide searching for a red rose. At last it found a white rosebud on a bush. To make it red, the bird pressed its chest against a sharp thorn under the bud and began to sing. As the thorn pierced its heart, its blood flowed over the rose and turned it red. The rose became crimson, bur the bird died. Yet the young man who received that rose did not understand the greatness of the sacrifice.

Children of God, for your sake He blossomed as the crimson Rose on the cross. As He hung there, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Let us meditate on that love and dedicate ourselves to a spirit of forgiveness.

Verse for further meditation: “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34).