Blossoming Obedience

 After we learn about the basic shape of the lampstand (and by analogy, the basic shape of the local church), we then come these details in Exodus 25:33-34

"Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower - and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand

"On the lampstand itself, four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower."

On each of the six branches, there were three golden flowers shaped like almond blossoms; and on the center shaft, there were another four blossoms. Three of those four almond blossoms grew below each pair of branches, and the fourth was directly below the center lamp itself. 

As we'll see later; we have absolute biblical teaching of what each of these blossoms represent - and even their placement on the branches and center shaft is significant. But we'll get into that in a later post. Today, we need to focus on the symbol itself - why do we see them as almond blossoms?

Awakening To The Plan

The Hebrew word used for almond is "saqad" (pronounced "Shawkad"). Literally translated word-for-word, this is translated into English as almond - referring to the tree, the flower, and the nut itself. But when we look at the original language of the Old Testament, we see a much deeper truth. "Saqad" had two other definitions, and they both apply to God's blueprint for the local church.

The first definition is to awaken. 

The reason ancient Hebrews referred to almonds like this is simple: The almond blossom was the first flower to appear in the spring time. In fact, almond blossoms appear so early, that they can sometimes even be seen opening up under the snow! Because of this, they were known as the first trees to "awaken" after the winter. 

As we learn what these blossoms represent, we will be awakening to the fact that God wants these things in the local church. Some of these features will already be well-known to most of us (for example: love is represented as one of these blossoms). I don't expect much controversy around those - most of us are already awake to them and know they need to be found in our churches.

For other blossoms though...I expecting a lot more winter snow to push through. (Prophecy, for example, is another one of these blossoms.) Whatever your past religious traditions may have taught you, or whatever personal preferences you may hold; I encourage you to let God's Word awaken you to what He really wants in His churches. If you find out that He wants them, then work to build them into your church!

No More Delay

The second definition of "saqad" is to hasten, or to act immediately. 

We see this in Jeremiah 1:11-12 (KJV).
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Jeremiah, what seest thou?' And I said, 'I see a rod of an almond tree.' Then the LORD said unto me, 'Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten My Word to perform it."

We see the word saqad used twice in these two verses. Once it's translated as "almond" - which is what Jeremiah saw in his vision. And then it's used again as God interprets the vision to Jeremiah - this time translated as "hasten". This was what God was saying to Jeremiah: "Just like the almond tree blooms without delay, I'm going to fulfill My Word immediately."

This second definition also applies to the "blossoms" of the local church. In the next few posts, as we learn about these things, and as we awaken to them - we must also hasten to obey. When we come to realize these are true, then we can no longer say "I'll look into them more." No, we must follow Mary's advice to the wedding servers: "Whatever He says to you, do it."

Here is a simple example: When a church member or church leader awakens to the truth that God has love in His blueprint, then they must also hasten to incorporate that into their church! Without delay, love must be built into that congregation - both from the pulpit, and from the pews. The person who says, "I'll work on that later" is not really building Jesus' church.

Can you see how that works? I hope so - because love is the easiest blossom to agree with, even if it's sometimes tricky to put into practice. Moving on from there, you'll see direct Biblical teaching about the other blossoms - some of them may surprise you. As those teachings awaken you...do not delay. Hasten to obey!