The Almond Tree
The prophet has been called to proclaim the Word of God to a sinful and rebellious people. He has been told by God, that he has been known by Him even before he was conceived in the womb of his mother. Jeremiah the prophet has been told to speak every word God puts in his mouth.
Now comes the time to check his vision. “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (1:11) “I see a branch of an almond tree.” If a man is going to proclaim the Word of the Lord GOD, then he must be able to see what God is about to do, or at least what he desires to do.
Here is what God says about the seeing of the almond tree branch. “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word”. (v. 12)
The almond tree was an early tree. It wakened from its dormancy earlier than any other tree. The thing Jeremiah saw God used to tell him that the Word of God was going to be done just as God declared it through him, and it would be very quickly. It would be earlier than any other.
The message of God’s Word would be faithfully preached by the prophet, but not without sorrow and pain. There would be no delay. Jeremiah must hasten to the work of his ministry.
Just how close are we to the time we will see the fulfilling of the final prophecies of the Word of God. They are at the door. Jesus could return for His Bride at any moment. Do not delay to call on His name in repentance for sin, and trust completely in Him for salvation.
The Fire and Hammer 
I’m not going ot pretend that I know or anyone knows the mind and total will of God, but it would seem to me that the Lord asked Jeremiah the question of whether he perceived what God wanted to do in and through His life. See, we have to be in agreement with Gods’ plans and will in order for Him to execute whatever plans He seeks to do. One thing about the Lord is that He doesn’t impose His will upon us, unless we agree. And even then, isn’t it you agreeing to the plans? Perhaps if Jeremiah couldn’t perceive God’s plan, this story may have never been written or it could’ve been another prophet that we would’ve been reading about that God would’ve worked through.
LikeLike
Kevin, First let me thank you for reading the blog, this post, and for leaving a comment. Jeremiah was already in agreement with God, or was coming into alignment with the will of God for his life.
It is encouraging to know that God will sometimes let you and see things happening in nature, in life (your own or others) and circumstances agreeing with His Word to show His will and desires for our lives.
Thanks again.
T.A.
LikeLike
Nelson,
Revelations 14:6-7 “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth-to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
LikeLike
Nelson,
I believe the Book of Revelation give hints that those who remain on earth will still have a chance to be saved.
Rev. 11:13 says that at the very hour the two witnesses went up to heaven in a cloud, seven thousand people died because of the earthquake and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to God.
My Quest Study Bible says this:
Do these survivors repent? (Rev. 11:13)
This is the first time in Revelation that evil people acknowledge God (9:20-21). However, saying they gave glory to the God of heaven may not mean they repented; it may mean only that in their extreme terror they acknowledged a powerful God (see Daniel 3).
Heck, if I was there, extremely terrified and gave glory to God then I would be repenting. If God was to come down from heaven before you after you’ve went on a sinning streak, wouldn’t you fall to your knees, cry and ask for forgiveness?
Danny
LikeLike
Jason,
Thanks for your comment. I don’t see a problem with what you say. Unless, I am missing something.
The meaning still seems the same, That God will perform His Word. He will do what He says. It is wonderful to watch Him do it.
T.A.
LikeLike
Sorry to seem like a kill joy but isn’t it that God is making a play on words?
Jeremiah 1:11-12 (NASB) The word of the LORD came to me saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”
The word ‘almond’ in the Hebrew is Shaqed (Strong’s No. 8247) while the word ‘watching’ in the Hebrew is Shaqad (Strong’s No. 8245).
It’s like saying, “And the LORD said to Jeremiah, “What do you see?” And I said, “A hare.” Then the Lord said, “You have seen well, for I want you to hear my words.””
LikeLike
Nelson,
You need not worry about having the forgiveness of all sin. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin, even the sexual sins of spiritual leaders when they repent.
As far as the Rapture of the Church is concerned all the saved at the time of the Rapture will go to be with Jesus. The number of those raptured will be a large number when you consider all the saved since the beginning of the Church.
Thanks for your comment and question. I hope I helped.
T.A.
LikeLike
I’m worried we may not get forgiven for some of our sins however much we repent coz e.g as church leaders getting into sexual sin knowingly.is this why the number of those to be taken up in the rapture is very small?
LikeLike