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1 Peter 1:24<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Truth to Learn<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Like flowers, our physical body will wither and die some day.<\/p>\n Behind the Words<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The word \u201cflesh<\/span>\u201d is translated from sarx<\/span><\/em>, which specifically refers to \u201cthe flesh of a living animal.\u201d This word is often used as an expression for our earthly body, as opposed to the spiritual body which we will receive at the resurrection.<\/p>\n The Greek word translated \u201cgrass<\/span>\u201d is chortos<\/span><\/em>, which literally means \u201ca courtyard\u201d or \u201ca garden,\u201d but the common usage is in reference to any vegetation, particularly a meadow or field.<\/p>\n \u201cFlower<\/span>\u201d is translated from anthos<\/span><\/em>, which refers to \u201cthe blossom of a flowering plant.\u201d<\/p>\n The verb \u201cwithers<\/span>\u201d is from z\u0113rain\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which means \u201cto dry up.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cfalls away<\/span>\u201d is ekpipt\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of ek<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cout\u201d or \u201cout of\u201d and pipt\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto fall.\u201d<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In the previous verse Peter taught us that our new birth, that is our spiritual birth, is not by conception from corruptible seed but through the word of God. He now goes on to explain a little more about the corruptible seed. His simile equates the corruptible seed (humanity) with a field full of vegetation. This is the same simile that James used in teaching that riches and rich people are fleeting and temporary.<\/p>\n because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.<\/span> (Jas 1:10<\/span><\/strong>b, 11a<\/span><\/strong>)<\/p>\n The reference in both of these verses is to Isaiah 40:6-8<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is<\/span> grass, and all the goodliness thereof is<\/span> as the flower of the field: The grass withers, the flower fades: because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it: surely the people are<\/span> grass. The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand forever.<\/span><\/p>\n This fleshly life that we live is temporary and passing. It is often referred to as our time of wandering or \u201csojourning,\u201d and it will come to an end. The spiritual life that we get from the new birth, however, is eternal. If we have truly been born again, we have everlasting life with our heavenly father, and it does not begin when we get to heaven; it has already begun!<\/p>\n Using this same analogy regarding physical birth and spiritual birth, let me ask you, \u201cCan we become unborn in our physical life, and did we have any part in making it happen?\u201d Then how can we think that we have some part in our spiritual birth, and how can we believe that we could become spiritually unborn?<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Like a flower, we all must die physically some day, but we don\u2019t have to die the second death (spiritually). God has given us eternal spiritual life through His Word. Let\u2019s take a fresh, new look at this new birth which we have and recognize how truly priceless it is! Thank you, Heavenly Father!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –<\/p>\n <\/span>If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:![\"signature\"](\"..\/..\/signature.gif\")
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