When I came across this Michigan Lily growing in our local prairie, I could not but concur with Jesus that "Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are." Jesus uses this observation as part of an object lesson to his followers that they can trust God to meet their basic needs just as He provides for the birds and the flowers. We don't have to worry.
But implicit in this teaching is also Jesus' view of creation-- that God is active, involved and purposeful in the design and care of what He's created right down to the gazillions of flowers and birds that we so easily take for granted. We can see the hand of God not only in the original design of the world around us, but also in its daily provision and care. And following Jesus' lead, we can learn from it because there is meaning and purpose in the design of creation and in God's activities. It is not the meaningless result of random chaos. May we learn to "look at the lilies" and see and understand like Jesus.
"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!"
