Spring 2004
The Yellow Rose
Joanne Picataggi

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

Recently, I felt I would like to do something special for the Lord, to let Him know that I loved Him. I had heard that a yellow rose was a symbol of loyalty. Therefore, I decided to put a yellow rose on the pulpit in the Chapel. I thought, no one will know, and I will surprise the Lord. I realized that I could not surprise Him, for nothing misses His attention. But, I decided to do it anyway.

I bought one yellow rose, and brought it to the Chapel when no one was there, and laid it there just to let the Lord know what He meant to me. It remained there during the week of special prayer services. Toward the end of the week, it began to wilt. Again, when there was no one was in the Chapel, I tenderly picked it up, and took it home to dry and save.

Within a few days, a knock came to the door. There stood a lady with a bouquet of carnations, and tucked in the center was one yellow rose. She said, “The Lord told me to bring you a rose.” I looked at the red roses, but the Lord said, “No, give her a yellow rose, and tell her that I love her.” I thought, O Lord, You really do see, You really do appreciate when we return Your love.

In the passage above are two groups, the many who are called, and the few who came. This call is to come to the marriage, for the Lord is ready and waiting for us. “Many are called but few will make themselves ready so they can be chosen.”

In Genesis, before man was created, the Lord was alone; but in the book of Revelation we see Him being married to a Bride who has made herself ready. This is the great and wonderful day that He has been waiting for, our becoming prepared for our marriage to Him.

I have prayed, “Lord, let us enter into this relationship now.” If we are to worship in heaven, let us begin to worship Him, now. If we are to minister to the Lord in the Kingdom, let us begin to minister to Him, now. If we are to be married to the Lord, let us begin a personal relationship with Him, now. We can be a “forerunner” in all these things.

The Lord desires to be our first choice, not our last resort. Once the Lord said within me, “I am painfully aware of where I stand in the lives of my people. I know whether I am first or second, and I know when I am last.”

The Lord will deliberately orchestrate circumstances in our lives, to force us to make choices. We are living in the day of grace, and it is our privilege now, to choose Him. If we are not motivated by the fire (His manifest presence) that He has placed within us, He will put one under us (His chastening). The Lord said in Hosea 5:15b, “In their affliction, they will seek Me early.” If I am motivated by the fire within, He will not need to place problems in my path to turn me toward Himself.

The Lord is about to send a Word of fire that will ignite His people; a Word which will purify, that will separate the chaff from the wheat. May this “fire” ignite our hearts, purify us, and burn up all the dross. There are those who will respond to His call. We may enter now; we need not wait to enter a love relationship with our Lord. In our present circumstances, we may appropriate all that the Lord has for us.

It has been said, “Character is the sum total of all our choices.” When Esau was hungry, he choose a present satisfaction, but under pressure, Jacob chose that which was of eternal value. The Lord looks at our choices. He gave me a poem, which expresses His heart's desire toward us.

For though you think I stand afar
I am so close to thee
I stand among the shadows
Waiting, and watching to see,
If in all your many choices
The one you choose is Me

He is right here, watching each move we make, and to give us the strength to make the right choices. Let each one of us determine to rightly respond to His call.

We are now qualifying for our position in the Kingdom of Heaven. This is taking place in our lives on a daily basis. Jesus, our Heavenly Bridegroom, has given us all of His love. In return, He desires a personal love relationship with Him. We, not He, will determine the degree of intimacy we have with Him. The Lord has laid open His heart. It is open wide for all, but He has placed obstacles before it, so only those who really desire Him will get through.

“The marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white.” Revelation 19:7

She came adorned, with her wedding garment.

The Bridegroom is ready. How will you respond to Him? He will see your yellow rose, and in turn, He will respond to you. Then, in “that day,” you will be able to sit with Him at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

“And He says to me, Write, Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9a