THE CORPSE FLOWER (Amorphophallus titanum)—A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING-Is in Bloom

NOTE: The “corpse” flower (Amorphophallus titanum) bloomed at the National Botanic Garden (Washington, D. C.) in time to celebrate July 4, 2007. Click on the following to watch a video: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=49750&cl=3222799&ch=68276&src=news

Scripture: Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. (NKJV)
Related Scripture: Luke 10:3

REFLECTION: The world’s largest flower, that rarely blooms, showed its glory at the end of July 1999 at the Santa Monica, California, Huntingdon Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens.

Scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, its common name is the corpse flower. Museum curator John Trager hand pollinates it, attempting to create a “whole new brood of little” corpses, stated the Tribune-Review article by Graham Shearing.

The pre-bloom flower form is known to “disturb susceptible ladies” with its phallic shape. (I wonder: if they are so susceptible, how do they recognize its sexual appearance?)
Its bloom, lasting three days, is gorgeous, one of God’s great creations. The museum opened at special times so people can view it.

However, the corpse flower is also a “horticultural horror.” As soon as the sheath encircling the plant unwraps itself, dropping like “an expensive shawl of crushed silk,” the plant releases an “exotic perfume” described as “similar to that exuded by a dead cow.”

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Many people are like that. They are wrapped in the sweetest, most generous personalities, are well-groomed and appear service-oriented.

But watch out! How often do you hear the perpetrator of a violent abuse incident (spousal, child sexual abuse, workplace violence) described in glowing terms? Rarely do these people look or act like the monsters their behavior equates them with. Often they are the pillars of the community, betraying that very community with their harmful behavior.
They are like the corpse flower: beautiful on the outside, but oh, that incipient odor!
Beware of wolves (or “corpses) in sheep’s (flower) clothing! And most of all, don’t be one!

Prayer: Lord, walk beside me while I try not to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And, I plead, provide me the discernment to recognize those who want to deceive me by presenting themselves as sheep when they are really wolves. Amen.

NOTE: For further on the flower, including pictures, click on the following websites:
http://www.aroid.org/genera/amorphophallus/amorph.html
http://www.huntington.org/BotanicalDiv/TitanArum.htm
http://biology.fullerton.edu/facilities/greenhouse/amorphophallus/

More posts for your devotional reading can be found in the category DEVOTIONS in the column on the right side of this page.