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Thistles and Thorns

God cursed the ground when Adam rebelled and decided to eat what was on the "Prohibited Species" list. The first things that would appear were thorns and thistles. 

I saw a beautiful specimen on our walk this morning; it was a marvellous creation indeed. This particular plant was an aesthetic wonder. Very symmetrical and beautiful, if you like thistles. 

Have you ever been hugged by a rosebush or poked by a thistle? Be careful but take a closer look at both. I see no other reason for either thistles or thorns than to tear flesh. Both are crafted to puncture and shred. 

In Old Testament times, some kings captured enemies and dragged them through thorns, which was a death sentence if you ponder that form of punishment. The Roman soldiers that made Jesus' crown of thorns no doubt drew their blood as they crafted the cruel crest. Thorns have no mercy. 

Here in Brazil, there is one cactus-type bush whose wicked thorns break off when they enter your flesh, making them very difficult to extract, thus causing infection over time. I have a scar to prove this fact.

God made these pointy protagonists as reminders of how destructive sin is. So when we are pierced by prickers or torn by a thorn, we should remember how sin treats us. We should consider this truth BEFORE sin strips us. How often do we let evil instruments draw our blood before understanding that sin punctures and mars life? It was for this very reason that God shed Jesus' blood. Jesus suffered and died to pay our punishment, to help us avoid sins piercing pain.

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