“It seemed for us … to send chosen men … with Barnabus and Saul. Men that have hazarded their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Acts 15:25,26 (KJV)
The Story of Eidelweiss
Edelweiss is a tiny fragile flower that grows in elevations typically of 6,000 feet and higher in the Alps of Europe. Generally, the flower grows in the outcroppings of rock and soil in the Spring-time. Picking Edelweiss blossoms is a daunting and hazardous task.
In the culture of Alpine people, the flower, had become a symbol of the love and devotion of a man for a woman.
By reason of deep love, a young man would earnestly endanger himself to collect Edelweiss from the crags and ledges of the mountains. If successful, he would place the flower in the lapel of his jacket, and return to town. To return to town with an Edelweiss flower in one’s jacket was a sign to all of a love stricken man.
On a mission to present his fragile Edelweiss flower (before it wilted) to his young lady was a sure sign of his bravery and devotion, and often a testimony of his desire to enter into a lifetime of marriage. Women were known to be smitten and overcome with emotion upon receiving the little flower of the Alps from a man filled with love.
Tragically many young men died from falls on such quests to to prove their love.
The flower became popularized by the Rogers and Hammerstein song, “Edelweiss,” in the play and movie: “The Sound of Music,” which is still a favorite film for our family. (Are you humming the tune right now???)
The serious question however needs to be posed and pondered:
What lengths and hazards are we willing go through because of our love for Christ?
We must first realize that Christ has done the ultimate act of sacrifice, by dying on the cross, and purchasing our salvation, and because of his great love for us, we can respond with a love and faith that “goes out on a limb.”
