What Do You See

"One Year Bible" Old Testament Passage
Jeremiah 1:1-2:30

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." . . . And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, "What do you see?"  And I said, "I see a boiling pot..."  Jeremiah 1:11,13 (NKJV)

Jeremiah chapter 1 is so full of truth -- so many lessons.  We find the great power of God's Word released through prophetic ministry to tear down and build up (1:10).  We find the God's eternal perspective on who we are and what we are to do (1:5).  We find three ways we are to stand up for God in our world -- like a city, a support beam, and a wall (1:18).  It is truly rich stuff!

Central to this chapter are two images.  God twice asks Jeremiah, "What do you see?"  The two visions are 1) an almond branch, and 2) a poiling pot.  These two are pictures of God's work in us and through us.  God is always wanting to GROW something in us.  He also desiring to REFINE and PURIFY us.

The almond branch speaks of new growth.  Jesus spoke about His desire for us to be fruitful.  This requires that we be attached to our nutrition source (see John 15).  If we do that, we will bear MUCH FRUIT.  Part of the reason we have daily disciplines of prayer and Bible study is so that we can be the almond branch that buds and grows.  Today, God is growing something fantastic in your life!

The boiling pot speaks of God's activity to change us.  He is working to remove the impurities and elevate our intrinsic quality.  Like gold or silver, He is refining us so that His qualities shine through us.  Today, there is something God is wanting to boil off of you.  He is always desiring to change you for the better.

So let these two operations go forward in your life today.  Fruitfulness and refining.  Do you see it?  Can you see these two things taking place?  Like Jeremiah, God asks you, "What do you see?"