“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?’ And I replied, ‘I see a branch from an almond tree.’ And the Lord said, ‘That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all My plans.’” (Jeremiah 1:11-12 NLT)
In the opening verses of Jeremiah’s writings, that have become for us a book in what we know to be “God’s Word,” the Bible, we learn that, like Moses, Jeremiah was reluctant to become God’s instrument in that key time in Israel’s history. We see this highlighted by his words in verse 6: “’O Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for You! I’m too young!’” How like us to make excuse when God speaks.
Ultimately the Lord persuaded Jeremiah to get with His program which led to the above verses that make very little sense until we understand that in the Hebrew language, which was the language Jeremiah spoke and wrote, the word “watching” (shoged) sounds like the Hebrew word for “almond tree” (shaged).
The bottom line for us is that God assured Jeremiah, as He assures each of us, that He’s not only watching our lives, but using the very circumstances of our lives to illustrate what He’s told us He will do. John Piper wrote: “God not only predicts but performs His word.” It would seem this might have more significance if I’m a Prophet like Jeremiah; after all, Jeremiah was predicting some pretty heavy-duty consequences for Israel’s disobedience to the Lord. However, the reality is, God’s Word speaks just as clearly to us as it did through Jeremiah’s words to the Israelites.
What is your expectation when you read the Bible? Do you expect to feel better about yourself? Do you expect a revelation that will revolutionize your life? Do you expect to get clarity about a question you have or perhaps an issue with which you’re wrestling? When I read the Bible, I expect to hear God’s voice; to hear words of affirmation, guidance, correction, consolation, or conviction.
If we don’t have any expectation as we open God’s Word, it may not be of much help to us. R.C. Sproul wrote: “God has entrusted the ministry of the Word to us, not its results.” Not hearing Dr. Sproul’s words in context, I’m left to apply them as I understand them. To me they have at least two applications.
First, “ministry of the Word” implies studying, digging deep to find the meaning with at least two applications – to edify my own heart and life, and/or to share my findings with others. In either case we’re not guaranteed any specific result. For example, I can share verses that have changed my life with someone else who may yawn and say, “Ho Hum.”
Reasoning, whether from the Bible or otherwise, that God has used to turn our lives around may not positively affect anyone else in the same way. Why not? Because the context of their life may be different. They may be in a much different season or stage of life than we are or were, thus, for us to expect the same result or application in their lives as ours isn’t a realistic expectation.
In my mind I believe sharing the same verse or verses from God’s Word is not necessarily going to elicit the same response from every person who hears them. I’ve learned that God’s Spirit will use God’s Word in many ways according to God’s intention and desire. For one it may drive them to their knees in repentance, while it may encourage someone else who is searching, to stay on their journey.
One thing I know with absolute certainty. If you don’t listen to God’s Word, God will not use it to speak to you.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 