Almonds Anyone?

Dec. 6

Read: Jeremiah 1:11-19

Almonds Anyone?

The Almond tree is the earliest of trees to sprout and bear fruit. It is producing \ as early as March and sprouting as early as January. It’s name literally means the “wakeful tree” because of the fact that it awakens from its winter slumber earlier than any other trees… so early that to the untrained eye it may appear foolish or “out of season”.

The Lord looks at Jeremiah and asks: “Jeremiah, what do you see?” Young Jeremiah’s response is, “I see an almond branch.” (v.11) The corrective words of the Lord come early… they are the earliest in the season! Especially for God’s people. The “fruit” of God’s punishment was coming early in the season for Israel. (Almonds are the seed of a fruit you know!) This is what he was foreshadowing to Jeremiah. There may be other fruits later in the season (ie. building and planting), but the first to come will be the correction of the Lord. When God’s people are in the “winter” state of rebellion - the first tree to bud and bear fruit will be the “almond tree” of correction and a call to repentance.

To some, this message may seem “out of season”… maybe even “premature”. It is actually a blessing to be corrected soon… early. It is a blessing to have your sin and rebellion found out… brought into the light. There is no entering into the life and growth of “summer fruits” without the early waker almond tree of correction and repentance. God’s word is always “waking us up”. For Jeremiah, this vision did one other thing. It affirmed for him that he was hearing the Lord correctly. If the Lord is sending you with a message of “correction” and rebuke - I would want to make sure I was hearing him correctly. We must first see and be awakened before we can bring these words to others.

Sometimes the word of the Lord seems untimely - like a bud on a tree late in the winter. IT will always be a message that is “wakeful” … like branch from the “wakeful tree”. It will meet us early and often to correct us. If we ignore it, there is no further… “later season” fruit… only discipline… like a “boiling pot” from the North. (cf. v.13-18) Messages like these are not normally met with fanfare. In fact, more often than not they are rejected. The Lord himself says to Jeremiah, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you.” He says the same to you and me. The Call of the Lord affirms our purpose and meaning. (cf. v.1:5) His promise to be with us emboldens us and empowers us. His visions and instructions affirm us in the delivery of this “almond branch” sort of message. Take heart. As we approach the winter remember there are budding trees waiting for us on the other side. Love you guys. - JDP