Jeremiah 1 - 10.23.25

SCRIPTURE

Jeremiah 1:11-12

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”

OBSERVATION

Jeremiah’s first lesson in his training as a prophet.

Jeremiah, what do you see? Jeremiah would receive a message to speak, but before he could speak he had to see.  And in a simplistic explanation: Quotes of Spurgeon:

 “Before you can make an impression upon another person’s heart, you must have an impression made upon your own soul. You must be able to say, concerning the truth, ‘I see it,’ before you can speak it so that your hearers also shall see it.”  

AND A branch of an almond tree: Jeremiah saw well. He not only understood that it was a branch but was observant enough to know that it was a branch of an almond tree.

This was young Jeremiah’s first lesson in prophetic observance, and the lesson was simple. “We might have thought that, as a preparation for his prophetical work, he would have seen mysterious wheels full of eyes, or flaming seraphs and cherubs, or the wonderful creatures that were caused to appear in the dreams of Ezekiel and the revelation to John. Instead of this, Jeremiah simply sees ‘a rod of an almond tree;’ and, beloved friends, when you look into the Bible, you will see some very simple things there.”  

The significance of the branch of an almond tree was important in two ways. First, the almond was well known as the first tree to bud in the spring. This indicated that God was ready to quickly fulfill His word, just as the almond tree seems ready to bud. Secondly, the Hebrew word for almond tree is close to and derived from the Hebrew word for watchful, and this word is used in God’s response to Jeremiah. “These verses contain a play on words that is lost in English but is vital for the force of the vision. The ‘almond tree’ is saqed and God is ‘watching’ (soqed) over his word to fulfill it.” (Feinberg)

And I love to Google…and there are 30 scriptures in the Bible on branches.

Bible Verses About Branches--Connection to Christ

In our walk of faith, we find reassurance in the notion that we are intimately connected to Christ. Just like a branch cannot survive without the vine, we too draw our strength and sustenance from Jesus. This relationship is vital for our spiritual growth, allowing us to flourish and live fruitful lives. When we recognize this connection to Christ through these biblical teachings, it enriches our understanding and motivates us to take action in our faith journey. We can always rely on the strength that comes from being connected to Him, knowing we are designed to thrive in a close relationship with our Savior.

APPLICATION

Before we can make an impression upon another person’s heart, we must have an impression made upon your own soul. You must be able to say, concerning the truth, ‘I see it,’ before you can speak it so that your hearers also shall see it.” (Spurgeon)

But why of all that the Lord was speaking to Jeremiah to become a prophet would this have such meaning to me?  And I have tears..it begins in a one-on-one relationship with Jesus when HE calls us…and it is the simplest things in life where we are the most observant that He works thru us to see others and their struggles and relate it to others so that see that they need the LORD.  And then again when reading about a branch the word “rod” is the same as a branch..and there would be another way to look at it.  Staffs were made of rods.

PRAYER

Oh Jesus, it is the simplest things in life that hit our souls and draw us closer to you.  And it’s the eloquence of your divine word that is embedded in our minds and hearts so that everything we see and do brings forth your wisdom and sharing with someone in need.  In a simplistic forum…it’s to be an observer to see others as you do and step in to encourage them, by giving your words to them but in the manner in which you speak to us individually. It’s a personal relationship with you, Jesus, that is the desire of my heart to bring others to know you.  Jesus today let me see others as you do and step in with encouraging words and let it be for your glory…and as you always tell me each day…STEP OUT.. JUST GO…GOT IT!!??  Because this is how you speak to me and so I SEE IT. Thank you my Lord Jesus Christ..and always take care of my family and my friends. AMEN!

- Charleen Zakarian