Wildflowers: Week Two | Euodia & Syntyche the ThistlesChikamu

Joy and Crown

Thistles possess equal parts pleasure and pain, just like the next wildflower-women we meet: Euodia and Syntyche. Sharp prickles prevent herbivores from eating the bloom while the pollen invites bees to stop by for a nibble. They remind me of the Pushmi-Pullyu creature of Doctor Dolittle fame. This gazelle/unicorn animal with two heads on opposite sides of the body brought loads of attention to the doctor when he transplanted them from Africa to England. They were part of one body. But two-headed beasts have a tough time agreeing on anything. Thistles often produce more than one head, too. While these two ladies in Philippi fought fiercely for the advancement of the gospel, they also wound up fighting each other. Paul urged them to be of one mind.

My feisty Scottish granny, May Farley, was my thistle. She found no trouble telling you like it is. Her face said it all. If you were on her bad side, you knew by the barbs and bristles sent your way, almost telepathically. However, when you wanted someone on your side—someone not afraid to back away from a fight—Granny was there through thick and thin. When my parents divorced, she and my grandpa stayed in our lives through it all. She never missed a holiday. But she also kept me humble.

And wouldn't you know it, thistles are the national flower for Scotland. King Arthur III chose them during the 1200s and they stuck. Thistles are still the symbol on the Scots Guards today. There's a famous legend about the thistle that dates back to when the Norse invaded. A Viking army attempted a sneak attack during the night when a barefooted Norseman stepped on the prickly plant. When he yelped in pain, their presence became known to the Scottish army. Needless to say, the Scots won the day.

In Philippians, Paul introduced us to Euodia and Syntyche and he called them his beloved, his longed for, and his joy. People love roses despite their thorns. I can attest that I adore thistles, especially since I had the privilege of seeing them grow in their native Scotland. We all have people who are hard to love but are worth it in the end. These women offered great service to Paul and he would go to great lengths to see them restored.

Read the verse below and answer the following questions:

"Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved" (Philippians 4:1).

Practical Observation

1. Who was Paul writing to? What term of endearment did he repeat when addressing them?

Beloved is a term of endearment. It describes a much-loved person or someone who is dear to your heart. Used over thirty times in his writings, this was a favorite term of Paul's for Christians. God the Father often used this word to describe His only begotten Son, Jesus.

2. What phrase did Paul use that lets you know he missed them?

3. What kingly attire did Paul liken to the Philippian believers? What emotion does it symbolize?

4. What is the first request the apostle made to the Philippians?

5. List the other requests Paul made. Do you think these are his priorities?

United must be the goal for every church, as collectively they make up the body of Christ. A body divided against itself is a symptom of disease. This was an important theme for Paul. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV).

Personal Application

a. Look up Matthew 3:16-17, then answer the following questions:

• Describe what happened after Jesus was baptized.

• Whose voice was heard, and how did this person describe Jesus?

• Like Euodia and Syntyche, you are referred to as God's beloved. Write a love note to the Lord responding to His affection for you.

b. Paul told the Philippians to "stand fast in the Lord" (4:1). Describe a time when you stumbled and share how you regained your stance.

c. It has been said, "United we stand and divided we fall." Can others lean on you? Write a prayer for someone in your life who has fallen. Reach out to them this week to lift them up.