Sunday, August 20, 2006

He Gathers His Lilies (Poem)

Poem for Saturday

This poem was written for a couple who are involved in Rock Of Ages Prison Ministry. They sometimes visit our church on their way through to the prison in Kamloops, BC. The last time they had come through, they were grieving over the loss of their son, who had gone home to be with the Lord the year before. This poem was written to comfort them based on several passages out of Song of Solomon.

Various places in Scripture, believers are compared to lilies. In Song of Solomon 2:1-2, Jesus is THE Lily of the Valleys, and believers are like (or as) the Lily in this world. In this song - inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by King Solomon, we are referred to as lilies, and the King feeds (ie. fellowships) among the lilies. And then one day He gathers His lilies and takes them home where He may enjoy them forever. This poem is a reminder of the value God places upon His saints (His born again children, those who have placed their complete faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone to save them), and how precious in the sight of the Lord is their death - when He gathers them gently and carries them home to dwell forevermore in His presence.

Yesterday, I was reading several chapters in this poetic book, and came across the verses again (that I have listed below). I was reminded where my Mom was again - and though it made me somewhat sad that she was gone, it was also a strength to remember how important she is to my Lord and to think upon where she is.

He Gathers His Lilies

The Lily of the Valleys, oh the savour of His name,
The blessed Rose of Sharon, age to age still the same.

Like the Lily of the Valleys, so are His children here,
Precious to the heart of God, beloved and so dear.

Jesus feeds among His lilies - the fellowship is sweet,
In the garden of their hearts, where they so often meet.

Scattered throughout this darkened field, their colours are so bright,
Bearing the savour of Christ, they sing songs in the night.

Jesus gathers His lilies, and with joy He takes them home,
This precious harvest of souls arrayed around His throne.

Oh the glory of these lilies, clothed in robes of purest white,
Growing in their Saviour's presence, flourishing in His light.

October 7th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The field is the world.
Matthew 13:38
I Am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys.
Like the Lily among thorns, so is My love among the daughters.

Song of Solomon 2:1-2
My Beloved is mine, and I am His: He feedeth among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 2:16
My Beloved is gone down into His garden, to the beds of spices,
to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

Song of Solomon 6:2

"To gather lilies, wherewith he is pleased to entertain and adorn himself. He picks the lilies one by one, and gathers them to himself; and there will be a general harvest of them at the great day, when he will send forth his angels, to gather all his lilies, that he may be for ever glorified and admired in them." - Matthew Henry.

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