Imperial

This is my second most favorite rose, the Chrysler Imperial. Can you imagine the tens of thousands of them used in this float, (pictured on the Imperial Club site):

In the 1954 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, 25,000 Chrysler Imperial roses in individual refreshment tubes of water covered the base of the float entered by the City of Detroit, Michigan, US and Chrysler Corporation. The theme of the float was Life of an American Workman, as Chrysler Corporation founder Walter P. Chrysler had titled his autobiography. The center of this float featured the figure of an American Workman striding out from the pages of a book to strike a heavy hammer upon an anvil from which floral "sparks" flowed, their trains leading in several directions to various Detroit signature products: an automobile, a truck, an airplane, a tank, and a boat

Much has changed since 1954, and Detroit no longer is known for such signature products, though the Tournament of Roses Parade continues in fragrant splendor.  Even though I only have memories of parades from the 1940’s and the elegance of Chrysler’s top-of-the-line car, I can see the rose each spring.  It remains easily available for our gardens.

As for its blooms, they last for days, the bush for years, the automobile for decades, the parade for over a century – so far. But, just as the blooms, things fade, even from memory.

Except God’s word.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35 KJV)

Before writing was invented, the stories were told. Attributed to Moses, they were written, along with the history of a peculiar people:

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; (Deuteronomy 26:18 KJV)

Paul and Peter promised us we were among those, too:

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14 KJV)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9 KJV)

Other verses tell us much more about the everlasting Word of God:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13 KJV)

He is King of Kings – in a word, imperial.