Wildflowers Week Four | Priscilla the Hollyhock Sample

Two Are Better Than One

Walking the summer streets in New Mexico's capital city of Santa Fe, you'd be convinced that hollyhocks are our state flower. Artists paint them onto their canvases to add a splash of brilliant color alongside coyote fences and old adobe buildings. However, in 1927 our state legislature adopted the yucca as our state flower because of its sturdy nature. I enjoy a lovely yucca, but in my opinion, they can't compete with the brightly colored hollyhock. I'm convinced the hollyhock would win Miss Congeniality because it is adored by so many.

Hollyhocks likely came to New Mexico in the late 1500s with the conquistadores from Spain and adapted beautifully to our arid, sunny climate. The Spanish settlers called them la vara de San Jose, or St. Joseph's staff that offered grace to those who encountered them. A myth says that when the holy family fled to Egypt, an angel mistakenly made a stop in the Land of Enchantment. As a symbol of friendship, Joseph planted his staff into our dusty soil, and it was miraculously transformed into a hollyhock.

Although the stuff of legend is amusing, we do know that our hollyhock, Priscilla, adapted to a new environment and would bloom just as effectively in Ephesus as she did in Corinth. And now she would need to do so long after Paul left her and Aquila behind to continue the ministry he began in this world-class city. God's math often does not make sense. He will sometimes divide in order to multiply. Paul leaving this couple behind allowed the gospel to grow in two places at once.

Has God ever divided you from someone who was important to you? It really hurts, and you just don't understand why. Why did my children move to another state? Why did my husband's job take us far away? Why did my dear friend grow away from me and find new friends? Perhaps it's God's way of maturing you. Eventually, "the faith" must become your own faith. The faith of your father or friends will not do in the long haul. It is in these lonely, isolating times that Jesus draws closer than a brother and we begin to flourish right where He has planted us.

Read the verses below and answer the following questions:

"And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, 'I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing'" (Acts 18:19-21).

Practical Observation

1. Where did the trio arrive, and what happened next?

2. Where did Paul go? What did He do?

3. Describe how the Jews responded to Paul. Why do you think they made this request?

4. Explain how Paul responded to the Jews' request. Why do you think this was the case?

He did not consent means that Paul said no. It's hard to imagine the great apostle turning down an opportunity to further explain the way of Christianity to the men of Ephesus. But surely he trusted that God had a plan. Part of that included Aquila and Priscilla advancing into a role of leadership. When we say no, it gives others an opportunity to serve the Lord.

5. What did Paul promise, and what caveat did he add?

God's will must be served above our own. Too often we continue in the flesh something that God began in the Spirit. Paul often paused to reassess God's will. For example, he told the Romans, "I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you" (Romans 1:10, NIV).

Personal Application

a. Read Psalm 27:14 to learn the benefit of waiting. Turn this verse into a personal prayer for a situation in which you are waiting on God.

Left Behind: After Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul on the journey to Ephesus, the first thing he did was leave them behind. Did they feel expendable, unappreciated, unimportant? God's kingdom is an upside-down kingdom where the first are last and the humble are exalted. God had plans for this couple right around the corner.

b. Paul reasoned with the men of Ephesus; in other words, they had an intellectual debate. Take a moment to write down the reason for your faith.

While You Wait: While Priscilla and Aquila waited, Paul was working. It's difficult to see someone flourish while you're floundering. But God is the perfect gardener. He knows when to prune our lives back and when to reap a bountiful harvest. While you wait, be sure to drench yourself in the "living water" (John 4:10).

c. Paul surrendered his future to the will of God. What is something you are praying will be included in God's will for your future? What can you do while you wait?