OPENING STATEMENT: An almond tree is the first tree to blossom. It produces blossoms even before the leaves are fully developed in late winter. According to Christian tradition, it is a symbol of resurrection. According to Jewish customs, It’s called THE AWAKENER, the one who watches.

OPENING SCRIPTURE:  And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, WHAT DO YOU SEE?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” ¹² Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I AM WATCHING OVER MY WORD TO PERFORM IT.” (Jeremiah 1:11-12 ESV)

Context and Time: Around 580 BC. God’s judgment of nation of Israel for sins, idolatry, and falling away from God’s commands. Babylonian led by King Nebuchadnezzar invades Jerusalem, destroys the temple, and takes into captivity all the people. They are all in exile for 70 years.

Who is Jeremiah: Jeremiah was a young prophet of the Lord. Read Jeremiah 1:4-10

• Isn’t that what God does to you and I when he wants us to do something outside of our comfort zone. He affirms us, calls us and appoints us
• Before I formed you I knew you. I sanctified and ordained you
• I will go with you and whatever you need to speak I will tell you
• Don’t worry about the sins of the people and destruction of the land, the temple
• By the way Jeremiah. Do you know what your name means? Yahweh will raised up!
• I will raise up from those ashes a new Jerusalem

“Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” ¹² Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” (Jeremiah 1:11-12 ESV)

• God was asking Jeremiah to see beyond the destruction, the pain, the suffering
• God was asking Jeremiah to see beyond the consequences of sins
• God wanted Jeremiah to see the almond tree- The blossoms- Life- His Promise

Can you see beyond your sins? Can you see freedom from sins? Can you see God’s promises?

Why does God want us to focus on His promises rather than the consequences of sins? Let’s answer with another question: How can a loving God restore people without first giving them the hope of freedom?

• Restoration is a psychological process as well as a physical one. It has to start with the truth that there’s hope of freedom from fear, from sins. It requires faith. For whom the Son sets free shall be free indeed, starts with believing this to be the truth even when there is no evidence of that freedom.
• That’s exactly why God wanted Jeremiah to see the almond tree. God wanted Jeremiah not only to have hope for himself but being able to articulate that hope to his people.
• Could that also be what God wants you see in your own personal life, your country, your family?
• Could there be a promise that God wants you to remember not only for your freedom but also for the freedom of someone else?

Here’s how hope came to the children of Israel through Jeremiah. Chapter 29:10-13

“For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I WILL VISIT YOU, AND I WILL FULFILL TO YOU MY PROMISE AND BRING YOU BACK TO THIS PLACE. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. ¹² THEN YOU WILL CALL UPON ME AND COME AND PRAY TO ME, AND I WILL HEAR YOU. ¹³ You will SEEK ME and FIND ME, when you seek me with all your heart.

• So today God is asking you and I the same question: what do you see?
• If all you see is your sins you will see the tree with no leaves and will miss the blossoms
• If all you see is your sins, you will miss the grace of God
• Freedom comes when you start seeing yourself as a child of God instead as a slave to sin
• Freedom comes when you start seeing yourself free by the grace of God

CONCLUSION:

• What us the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message