September 28, 2007

The fuzz from the almonds stuck to my fingers as I pealed the outer husk away from the shell. Then I listened to the satisfying plop and plunk and thud when I filled the bucket. And I thought of what I knew about almonds.

Almonds bring over 2 billion of revenues to the state of California. They are an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin E, calcium and iron. And given the choice between almonds and peanuts, I’ll choose almonds almost every time.

I moved the ladder and noticed how the top of the tree was complete bare of nuts. Squirrels had a ball while we were at camp meeting and on vacation. I have friends who say I should just consider it my tithe, but I think at 70% it’s more like a tax than a tithe.

I thought more about almonds. The candle sticks in the tabernacle had cups in the shape of almond blossoms. And remember the story from Numbers 17? God affirmed Aaron’s leadership by having his wooden rod bloom, leaf and bear ripe nuts over night. What a miracle of God’s leading.

I was just about done with the tree. I left one branch for God’s creatures. Yes, in spite of my grumblings, I’m tender-hearted. What a blessing those almonds will be. They’re toasting in the oven now.
What a blessing those almonds were. Through them I remembered

God’s promise to see through to completion what He has started. My sense of security today is reinforced by where I’ve been and where I know I’m going with the One who leads me.

“Then the LORD said to Aaron: “You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
21 “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.” Numbers 18:20-21

Rejoicing in hope,
Pastor Steve