Beautiful Bougainvillea

I was stopped in my tracks at the sight of two bougainvillea bushes this morning. One was engulfed by vines that had entwined themselves tightly around the bush. It seemed like the vines were strangling it, as its little blooms were bravely fighting to find their way to the sun. Not far away, the luscious bright pink blooms of the other bush seemed to be smiling in the morning sun as they brightened the world with their vibrant color.

I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the sower.

“Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:18, 19, NIV).

Like the first bougainvillea bush, we often experience the engulfing vines of the cares of this world as they try to block the sunshine and stifle the abundant life Jesus promised. If we are honest, sometimes these vines are self-sought and leave us with self-inflicted wounds, in direct violation of God’s law. The antidote to having the life choked out of us is found in seeking the Lord at the mercy seat. “And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel” (Exodus 25:22, NKJV).

The name of the mercy seat in Hebrew is kapporeth.

It is here, in this place, where debts are canceled, errors are covered, sins are forgiven, and relationships are restored. Do you need to meet with the Savior at the mercy seat? We all do! Let us not hesitate or delay, my friends. He is merciful.

He will save us. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).

Dear Lord, we are Your daughters.

Draw near to us and set us free from everything that would stifle and stunt our growth. May we bloom in beauty for Your glory!

Jessy Quilindo