Jeremiah 1:11-12
“GOD’s Message came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”
I said, “A walking stick—that’s all.”
And GOD said, “Good eyes! I’m sticking with you.
I’ll make every word I give you come true.””
“Then the LORD said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?”
And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.”
And the LORD said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching,
and I will certainly carry out all my plans.””
When I was young Liberalism had begun to bear it’s hedonistic fruit, casting doubt upon everything traditional. Higher Criticism stripped the Bible of it’s inerrancy and began to analyze it as literature, nothing more. Being ignorant of literature in general I had no idea of the Bible’s literary value.
Now, 50 years later, I’m beginning to appreciate, understand and value Hebrew literary form. These verses are a lovely example. The first couplet paints a picture. The second enhances meaning with word play and imagery, bringing the picture into focus. I love The Message’s use of sticks in translation. May God ever stick to me too.
Lord, thank you for teaching me. There is still so much to discover and marvel at. I love walking with you. It’s like having a private party guide. I hope we humans continue to learn in eternity. I cannot wait to know more of you.