Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
The old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Even though the grass gets green in April, it seems that May is when the trees and flowers really start to pop. A mixture of Mother’s day, graduations, prom, and many more occasions call for flowers to be used in May. I know my dad and brothers still keep the tradition of planting flowers at my parent’s house for my mother. I have never really been too interested in flowers other than looking at them. Planting and taking care of flowers is definitely not an interest that I hold. In honor of May I want to share about my favorite flower: The Luther Rose. Also called the Luther Seal, a colleague of Martin Luther, Sir John Frederick of Saxony, charged Lazarus Spengler with creating this rose as a representative of Martin Luther’s teachings. Martin Luther loved it and stuck with it as his seal from then on. In fact, Martin Luther even gave an explanation of what it all means and stands for. (Please note: the following information was taken from Luther’s Works volume 49). The Black Cross in a Red Heart Martin Luther saw the cross as a constant reminder of the Crucified Jesus who saves us: “Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified.” The White Rose “Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12).” Blue Background “Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed.” Golden Ring “And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal.” I hope you find the same fondness for the Luther Rose as I do. As I reflect on the works of Jesus and the role of God in my life, I can think of no more powerful symbol. The Luther Rose cannot be planted in the ground as most flowers are planted. Instead, it is a message of truth, joy and life that is planted on our hearts. Points to Ponder:
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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