Outdoor Object Lesson 84: Almonds For You

Key Text

“Moreover God’s word came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then God said to me, “You have seen well; for I watch over my word to perform it.”” Jeremiah‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭(WEB‬‬ paraphrased)

Lesson

Almonds are a spectacular nut. They offer great health benefits. They are high in vitamins E and B2, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They offer a high level of antioxidants and are beneficial for the cardiovascular system.1 These nuts have a mild taste that is great alone and with many other foods. They make a great nut butter. They can even be used to make a tasteful milk substitute.

They grow on trees and are native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. They grow well in warm regions such as California which produces 80% of the world's almonds. Although almonds are normally called a nut they are technically a seed which grows inside a hard fruit covering called a drupe. There are two varieties of almonds, sweet and bitter. As you likely guessed the sweet almond is the one that is eaten as a nut. The bitter almond variety is used to produce oil.2 The most striking aspect of the almond tree is the flowers. When in full bloom they are beautiful with five white to light pink petals. They have a rich fragrance that smells of honey butter.

In the Bible, almonds are mentioned several times. In Genesis 43:11 Jacob tells his sons to take almonds with them into Egypt as one of the best foods of the land. These are to be a present to Joseph, probably because the almond was not a native to the region of Egypt. In Exodus 25:33-34 Moses was directed to decorate parts of the candlestick for the wilderness Tabernacle with carvings resembling branches and blossoms of the almond tree. Aaron's rod yielded almond blossoms and ripe almonds to prove he was God’s choice for high priest (Numbers 17:8). The most unusual mention of almonds is in the key text where Jeremiah sees an almond branch in vision. It is an odd verse the first time it is read. God asks Jeremiah "What do you see?" and Jeremiah says, "the branch of an almond tree." Then God seems to congratulate him on his powers of observation then completely change the subject.

While God may seem absent minded at first, when reading the verse in context, it makes more sense. Throughout the chapter of Jeremiah 1 God repeatedly asks Jeremiah what he sees in vision, then makes an important statement. God uses these images as symbols. He is trying to help Jeremiah understand the crucial points of His message. Almond buds are usually the first to appear after the long winter. They usually start growing in late January before winter is completely gone.2 The Hebrew word for almond (shaked) means the tree that "hastens to awake." Here God is emphasizing his hast to fulfill his promises to his people. God would not delay in fulfillment of his gracious and divine promise. His message is the same to us today. Look at the bare branch of the almond tree, watch as I fulfill my promises in your life and make them bloom into a beautiful flower and bear delicious fruit.

Questions

What is your favorite nut?

What can you do when you read something in the Bible, like the key text, that doesn't make any sense?

Is it significant that God compares the fulfillment of his promises to a flower that blooms towards the end of winter?

What promises has God given for your life that he has yet to fulfill?


Sources
1. Joe Leech, "9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds," Healthline online, last modified September 6, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-proven-benefits-of-almonds.

2. Melissa Petruzzello, "Almond," Encyclopædia Britannica online, last modified September 20, 2018, https://www.britannica.com/plant/almond.


Written by David F. Garner
Photo credit: LinArt via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 27: Faithful Nut

Key Verse

“Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.” Genesis 13:18 (WEB)

Lesson

One of the most well-known trees is the oak tree. There are over 600 species of oak tree around the world.¹ Although the oak is a common tree in many parts of the world, this is not the main reason for its fame. The oak tree is so well-known because of its toughness. It is one of the hardest woods available. It is the wood chosen when a craftsman desires to make something durable, strong, and long-lasting. Oak is so tough, a ship made from oak in the American Revolutionary War named “Old Ironsides” could withstand cannonballs. When they hit the sides of the ship they just bounced off!²

The oak tree has been respected and valued in many cultures for centuries because of its durability. But why is it so durable? Because it grows very slowly.¹ This allows the wood inside the tree to become very dense and tough. The tree has more time to build a strong foundation and root system because it does not rush to grow tall. Oaks grow so slowly some live thousands of years and can become a landmark. The oak tree Abraham pitched his tent beside in Genesis 13 was already a landmark because it was called the Oak of Mamre.

Oak trees also do not produce seeds until they are between 20 and 50 years old.3 They wait until they are mature before producing acorns to become other trees. People have wondered how such a mighty tree as the oak can grow from such a small acorn. It is because the tree is faithful and disciplined. It does not rush or hurry to be a great tree. Instead it faithfully absorbs the nutrients from the soil, the sunlight, and the rain. It waits to produce its seeds until it is truly ready-it is disciplined.

When fully mature, the oak tree gives back much. It provides acorn nuts for food, it provides shelter to many animals, and when it finally dies it continues giving through the use of its wood. But it can only give so much back because it was faithful and disciplined until it became something great. Every day it was faithful or dedicated to doing the little things. It was disciplined and continued doing them even when it might not have wanted to. It was disciplined and waited until it was mature before producing seeds. Abraham lived next to this mighty tree and worshiped there as well. This is ironic because Abraham was also a good example of faithfulness and discipline. He waited years to see God fulfill his promises but in the end was thankful he did. David Icke summed up the oak tree well when he said, “Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground."4

Questions

What is your favorite tree?

What are some specific ways that Abraham showed faithfulness and discipline?

How can you practice faithfulness or discipline in our lives?

Sources

1 http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/oak.aspx

2 http://www.history.com/news/how-uss-constitution-became-old-ironsides-200-years-ago

3 https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=5432

4 http://mobile.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/davidicke359826.html?src=t_oak

Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: Alexandru Galamb (a.k.a. graphicus)