What do you see?

Jeremiah 1:11-19 (New International Version)

11The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”

“I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

12The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

13The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?”

“I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north,” I answered.

14The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord.

“Their kings will come and set up their thrones

in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;

they will come against all her surrounding walls

and against all the towns of Judah.

16I will pronounce my judgments on my people

because of their wickedness in forsaking me,

in burning incense to other gods

and in worshiping what their hands have made.

17“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

I. Message:

Content:

1. God let Jeremiah have a first vision – an almond tree (v11-12)
2. God let Jeremiah have a second vision – a boiling pot (v13-15)
3. God proclaimed that He will judge and punish those who betrayed Him (v16)
4. God told Jeremiah to stand up and courageous (v17)
5. God’s encouragement, firm statement and promise to Jeremiah (v18)

Theme:

What do you see?

Be strong and courageous!

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1. God who speaks to people through words (v11-14)
2. God who keeps His Word (v12)
3. God who brings disorder and chaos (v14)
4. God who send enemy to those who betray (v15)
5. God who judges those who did wrong (v16)
6. God who calls those who are willing to follow Him (v17)
7. God who encourages and who keeps His promises (v18-19)

III.

1. Learn to listen to God’s voice

The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” (v11) The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?” (v13) according to these passages, we become aware of: The intimate relationship between the prophet Jeremiah and God, almost as though it’s a relationship between son and father. Jeremiah was able to hear Him and speak to Him under any circumstances. We should follow Jeremiah’s example.

Reflection: As a Christian, do I really understand what God plan is for me? How can I be sure of it? Or am I just saying it without thinking? I can always refer to the Bible for the revelations but do I read the Bible daily and do I really comprehend God’s intentions?

2. The vision of the almond tree

The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. (v11) The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” (v12)

These passages describe the first vision that Jeremiah had, which was a branch of an almond tree. The “branch of an almond tree” means “being alert, being awake” in Hebrew. After a long winter season, the almond tree is the first vegetal that grow (aware, awake) among other plants. The vision of the almond tree shown to Jeremiah by God means: Even though the people of the land’s spirits were “asleep”, but God’s Words are still there and not forgotten, just as He promised. It could also mean: God’s Words are soon to become visible just as the speed of almond tree’s growth in the spring.

Reflection: Is my spirit still at rest? If I hear God’s calling, will I be awake?

3. The vision of the boiling pot

The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?” “I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north,” I answered. (v13) The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. (v14) I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. (v15)

This vision is to explain how God will be carrying out his Words upon the Israelites and His Words are to show the people the sins they had committed. So God will be judging and punishing those who sinned. These sins include: abandoning God, worshipping idols. God’s judgment will be like the boiling water, from the north disaster, will be poured out on all who live in the land. Also the prediction: the North of Babylon will invade.

Reflection: Have I had any “Through God's Word in Bible, became conscience of the sin committed and asked for forgiveness to God” experience?

4. A difficult mission

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. (v17) Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land (v18a)

According to the Bible, we clearly see that: The mission that Jeremiah accepted from God was absolutely not a pleasant and easy one. The kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land will be against Jeremiah. What Jeremiah received was indeed a difficult mission.

Reflection: What calling of missions from God have I ever received? Was it easy or hard?

5. God’s promise

“Against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.” (v18b)

Although the mission is difficult, God was with him and gave him the strength and the force to defeat the enemy. He made Jeremiah as strong as the fortified city, the iron pillar and the bronze wall.

Reflection: I believe in God, but am I able to rely on God? And should I worry?

Translated by Janet H.