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
Isaiah 66 - 10.22.25
Scripture
Isaiah 66:2
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
Observation
I want God’s favor! I decided to look up the meaning of each of the words in this verse to help me understand.
Humble: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission
Contrite: feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior
Tremble at God’s presence: to experience a profound and reverent awe of God’s holiness, power, and authority, which leads to a sense of humility and a desire to obey Him immediately. It is not a terrifying fear but a healthy respect that inspires a deep and immediate commitment to live according to God’s will, even when it is difficult or doesn’t make sense.
Application
God looks on us with favor when we are humble – when we acknowledge that He is the God of the universe – holy, mighty, and all powerful. It is only because of His great love for us that we are allowed to enter His presence. He tells us to submit to Him and His plans for us.
God looks on us with favor when we are contrite – when we are truly sorry for our transgressions, when we understand that it is only because of His great love for us that we are saved, when we understand that we are powerless to save ourselves.
God looks on us with favor when we tremble in His presence – when we stand before our almighty God in awe and we allow His presence to change us.
I watched a short video yesterday that explained why we sometimes tremble during exercise. Trembling happens when muscles are challenged, it’s part of the growing and learning process. Let’s challenge ourselves to spend time trembling before our mighty God so He can grow and change us and draw us into deeper relationship with Him.
Prayer
God, may I learn not to fear what man can do, but to understand the fear of God – a true reverence for who You are that leads to obedience. May I learn to put your will above my own. May I submit myself to you and allow myself to be changed when I stand in Your presence.
Debbie Dunn
Isaiah 65 - 10.21.25
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 65:17 – 18
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create”
OBSERVATION
The beginning of Isaiah 65 is God seeing the empty repentance of his people yet will bless those who are genuine and faithful servants. Many of those in exile in Babylon would appear “holy” yet their heart and actions were very different. They were self- righteous! But God saw the faithful and began verse 17 with “See” almost to say “Look at what I’m doing for you, the faithful.” He is giving us all a wonderful promise and blessing in verse 17 – 18, one that we can be glad and rejoice about forever and ever.
Before going forward, I have to confess that I’m just scratching the surface of this chapter. There is so much “meat” in the entire chapter but verse 17 – 18 stood out to me. For some reason, and only God knows, maybe there’s someone who will read this, will be blessed and encouraged.
Some interpret this section of scripture to discuss Christ’s 1000 year reign on earth as noted in Revelation 20:4. Although Scripture about the end times can be confusing and somewhat scary from the human point of view, these two verses are reassuring. These verses are the blessing for the faithful so they will not lose hope. The faithful who remain in the Lord through everything, not straying away, not being self-righteous but who stay steadfast – will receive the blessing of verse 17 – 18.
The thought of God creating a new heaven and new earth sounds wonderful right now in light of all that is going on in the world. The “former things” of this earth, all that we know how this earth works, will not be remembered. By not remembering the “former things,” our focus and future will be based on all that God will make new. He gives us an encouragement to “be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.” We have a lot to look forward to and can rejoice in what He’s preparing for us.
APPLICATION
Sometimes when we recall all that this world brings: sorrow, heartache, sin and death, we can be overcome with grief. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward when circumstances are hard. But God has a wonderful plan! Besides providing salvation to those who accept Him as their savior, God wants you to be encouraged, to know that He cares and is preparing a place for you. He says all these things to help you not lose faith, to not give up, to stay steadfast in Him. Maybe you’re going through something very painful or difficult right now. Stop for a moment to think about the depth of what God is saying. He will create a new heaven and earth for His faithful servants. Yes, He loves you that much! Isn’t that amazing?
All that we know is the “new earth” will be different than what we know. It’s hard to imagine or even dream of how this new heaven and earth will be, but we can be filled with hope it will be even better than anything you can imagine. Even better than the wonderful images from deep space – better than any place you’ve ever visited on earth. God created a lot of beautiful things on this earth and in the heavens but the new heaven and earth will be even better, grander, and more glorious. I remember driving through the tunnel to enter Yosemite. As you exit the tunnel, the view of the valley, Half Dome, and the waterfalls create a crescendo of angels singing in my head. In that moment, I am awe struck at God’s beautiful creation. Somehow, and only through God’s perfect design, the “new heaven and earth” will be better!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for giving us your Word and hope for the new heaven and earth you are preparing for us – the faithful who remain in You. Help me to focus and remember your blessing and plans. You have so much more created for us in the future than can ever be imagined. Thank you for your hope! Help me to not be distracted by this world but to be focused on your plans, your future, and the hope of a new heaven and new earth. Help me to share the Good News of your salvation so even more faithful will get to enjoy the new heaven and new earth. In Jesus name – Amen!
- Mary Oberg