I was on my way to Atlanta this morning.  As I came around a small curve in the road, I saw an army of sunflowers, all in rows.  They were not the big sunflowers, rather the smaller ones that are mixed into bouquets at the store.  Their heads were turned away from me…towards the east as they awaited a view of their commander, the sun.  As I looked in my rear view mirror, their golden heads showed, thus creating another picture of the nature of God.  Devotion. 

Their faces are upturned, never straying from their source of life.  If there are clouds, as there were today, they still know just where to look.  The sun is ever so steady and dependable to provide them the light that they need.  It is a picture of the devoted relationship between God and his followers.  He is there, even when obscured by the storms of life…he is behind the clouds, providing the needed nourishment, if we will just look up.  Unlike humans, the faces of the sunflowers never stray to each other, or turn around to look behind.  They steadfastly look to the one that is the source of there adoration.  They are devoted and do not forget their source of strength.  Wherever the sun moves they move as well.  If we could be as devoted as this, our lives would be simpler.  Confusion would not reign because our focus would be sure. 

In time, the flower’s seeds feed the animals and birds that are near. The flowers do not seek this attraction, it happens naturally because of their devotion to the sun.  As believers, others are drawn to our fruit.  Spiritually, they come to us to eat and be filled on the overflow of our relationship. As we continue to look up, they will find the sun is our source of devotion. We do not seek this arrangement, but it is built into us as the seeds are in the flowers.

In rows, they look like a splendid army, arrayed in golden armor.  They are a reflection of the golden light of the sun…as we are a reflection of the one we adore. We lift our heads and hands to the Lord and we reflect his characteristics…his love, and his beauty.  All together, we are his army. We move as one because we are one with him.

  Then as we are moved, we await our commander and follow him wherever he sends us, to the uttermost parts of the earth.  We reach out and share his light with those around us.  We can be put into a mixed bouquet, but we will never be disguised or hidden.  We will stand tall and turn our faces so that everyone that sees us will look up to see what we see.  They will long to know our secret devotion and to eat of our fruit. Turn your face up…and see the Son.