Jeremiah and The Early Budding Almond Tree

The almond is a great source of protein AND prophecy! It heralds the coming spring rebirth of the land and the fact that God watches over His Word.Early in Jeremiah’s call, God used the almond to speak to him about his ministry:The word of Adonai came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I answered, “I see a branch from an almond tree." (Jeremiah 1:11)This prophecy uses play on words that carry a vital truth for Israel as well as for us. The Hebrew word for almond, sha-ked, is also translated “to watch”.By seeing the almond branch, God assured Jeremiah that He is watching over His word to bring it to pass, no matter the passage of time.

The lesson of the almond tree

The lesson of the almond tree is that God in heaven watches a sinful nation walking away from Him and declares it will have consequences. His message to humanity today is still the same: God is watching, He neither slumbers nor sleeps! He will watch over His word either for curse or for blessing. When sin and immorality engulf nations and even penetrate the Church, we should remember: God is watching, He neither slumbers nor sleeps! When nations assail Israel and seek to divide her land, we can be sure: God is watching, He neither slumbers nor sleeps!The message of the “almond” also does carry a strong encouragement. Jeremiah foresees a miraculous restoration for Israel. “And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them, to destroy, and to afflict… so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:28)If we decide to consecrate our lives to God, then He promises to watch over us for good. Even with our weaknesses and frailties, His eyes are always upon us! You may be having a hard time today, but God has His eye on you.Remember the big picture of God’s love: for His word and his faithful watching over it!Be thinking of that whenever you see or eat almonds, too.