The Names of Christ
"NAMES OF CHRIST"© -is a book written by Dr. James Modlish
-reprinted here with the author's permission-

Lesson Eighteen

The Rose of Sharon
(Song Of Solomon 2:1)

 

Introduction: Sharon - a fruitful place where David's cattle grazed. (1 Chron. 27:29) Located south of Mount Carmel the most fertile valley in Palestine. The Sharon rose is the most admired rose, Christ is likened to this rose (compare Isa. 35:1).

According to the world Book Encyclopedia the "Rose of Sharon, or Shrubby Althea, is a large hibiscus shrub with lovely rose, purple, white, or blue flowers about 3 inches wide. The flowers appear in September, when few other shrubs are in bloom. It does well under unfavorable conditions, either in the city or in the country. The shrub comes from eastern Asia and grows in many American Gardens. It grows about 12 feet high and has large three-lobed leaves."
 

I. THE ROSE STEMS FROM A DRY ROOT

A. (Isa. 11:1) - A rod out of the stem of Jesse.

B. (Rev. 22:16) - "I am the root, and the offspring of David," etc.
C. The flower is contained in the roots until revealed through the branch.
D. Christ's Divine nature was concealed in the bosom of His Father until manifest in the flesh. 

II. THE ROSE IS BEAUTIFUL AND PLEASANT TO THE EYE

A. The modem rose has been a product of either the white or red rose or the mixing of the two.

However, we are told the best color of the rose of Sharon is blue!

The white speaks of Christ's purity.
The red speaks of His humanity and His blood.
The blue speaks of His deity - it is a royal color. 

III. THE ROSE IS NOTED FOR ITS FRAGRANCE

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, no other flower is so universally known as the rose. This may be due to its very attractive fragrance.

A. ROSE WATER - "Rose Water is a clear, colorless solution make from fresh rose flowers and used in making perfumes and certain medicines. Rose water has a fragrant odor much like that of fresh rose blossoms. It is made by distilling the fragrant parts of the flowers, such as the petals and sepals, with water. This is done by placing the flowers in water, boiling the water, and separating the vapor into a vessel. The vapor is then condensed back into a liquid, which is rose water." - World Book Encyclopedia

The idea is that long after the rose itself has departed the aroma lingers behind.

B. CHRIST IS "SWEET OINTMENT POURED FORTH".

C. ENJOYED WITHOUT BEING SEEN. 

IV. THE ROSE POSSESSES MEDICINAL VIRTUES

It is written that the ancient Greeks actually ate the hip of the rose.

A. THE ROSE IS ACTUALLY A FRUIT - "The rose Family is one of the most important of the plant kingdom. There are about 2,000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs in the rose family. Some of the loveliest flowers and most valuable fruits belong to it. Its members include the apple, pear, quince, berries, peach, apricot, plum, and cherry. Its many ornamental plants include the meadowsweet, mountain ash, and hawthorn. Plants of this family also give us many useful products. Several fine woods are used in cabinet-making." -World Book Encyclopedia

B. THE ROSE HIP CONTAINS VITAMINS - It has been discovered that the rose-hip contains 10-100 times more vitamin C than any other source. But it also contains vitamin A, E, B I, B2, B3, K, P, Calcium, Phosphorus and Iron.

C. CHRIST IS THE "GREAT PHYSICIAN" (Mk. 2:17) AND THE "BALM IN GILEAD" (Jer. 8:22).

The Rose of Sharon heals every malady of the soul. 

V. THE ROSE OF SHARON IS THE FLOWER OF THE FIELD

A. ROSES OF THE FIELD - Not planted by men (God planted the roses of Sharon)

B. ROSES OF THE FIELD - Subject to be trodden by men (the world trod the Saviour underfoot)
C. ROSES ARE UNIVERSAL - Roses grow in just about every climate in all types of soil. The application can be made to Christianity as it also grows around the world.
D. ROSES OF THE FIELD WERE FREE - The poorest could have them without money and without price - conversely the rich could pay no more for they were free - even as Salvation. PRAISE THE LORD! 

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