Bindweed

A pretty flower of purest white, but don’t be deceived. This obnoxious plant is called bindweed. Although some cultivated varieties are better tamed and even endangered, the common type endangers all else. It smothers neighbours with its foliage, climbing fences, walls, branches and trees, casting its shadow wherever it climbs. Although it improves the appearance of those cheap, local authority-style fences we once had, it ruins any other environment. Its seeds remain in the soil for years, and its roots go down 16 feet, while its surface growth can spread just as wide.

Interestingly, another English name by which it goes is Morning Glory, although this usually refers to the most exotic blue and purple varieties. There is something of a parallel between this plant and Satan. He was the Son of the Morning, glorious in his appearance and wisdom, and yet he fell from heaven and God’s presence. His energies are generally spent hindering gospel light, burrowing deep into the cultures and societies of mankind. He strangles, chokes and overwhelms. Outwardly, his many guises are pleasant enough, and he often chooses to appear in purest white. Yet he’s still a dangerous and unwelcome weed in the vineyard, only awaiting the good Gardener’s bonfire.

Satan binds, Christ frees.