Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Lessons From May Flowers: Lily
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Lessons From May Flowers: Lily
During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in Europe, an unusual representation of the crucifixion of Christ arose in Christian art. The artwork, such as used in stained-glass windows, depicted Christ being crucified not on a cross but on a lily—or Christ holding a lily. This art has come to be known as the “lily crucifix,” appearing in paintings, statues, carvings, and church windows. Lilies have also been associated with the virgin Mary, representing her purity.
The lily is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Several psalms (45; 60; 69; 80) were to be sung to a tune called “Lily of the Testimony (or Covenant)”—possibly a reference to the beauty of God’s covenant. And lilies appear eight times in the nature-rich love poem Song of Solomon, representing the beauty and purity of true love. Even today, lilies are the traditional Easter flower. No wonder Christ used “the lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:28) to illustrate the richness and beauty of God’s provision.
Take a moment to thank God for the beauty of the lily and the beauty and purity of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Beauty is God’s handwriting.
Charles Kingsley
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).