I Am Watching to Perform My Word

"The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a branch of an almond tree.’ Then the LORD said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching to perform My Word.’" (Jer 1: 11,12)

The branch (Rod in Hebrew) of an almond tree in this vision represents the Lord’s rod of justice, his scepter through which He fulfils His word, "A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness" (Ps 45: 6,7). This rod is the fiery word of God, "Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter" (Rev 19:15). Thus all the human authorities either political or religious are subjugated to the Word of God, willingly or unwillingly; "The Lord is watching to perform his Word." His Word dominates in every condition and it is undefeatable. It controls the authorities and condemns the authority abusers. As much as evil dominates, the Word of God behind the gloom shines, and His justice prevails.

Many times we see as if the Word of God is despised and his commandments broken, "You are despising the rod of My Son" (Ezek 21:10). His Word is undefeatable, but it convicts who despise it, and condemns who challenge it, "He will dash them to pieces like pottery" (Rev 2:27). It is easy for any one to defy the Word of God because God is good. "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Mat 5:45). His mercy encourages many to forget that He is the Lord of justice and truth, daring to challenge his Word, motivated by greediness and lust,"From where do wars and fightingamong you come? Is it not from this, from your lust warring in your members?" (Ja4:1) In this confusion, the prophet’s words shake the souls, "I am watching to perform My Word." Only the Lord’s word shall be fulfilled, in spite of all powers of darkness. 

David rejoiced when he saw the rod of the Lord, saying, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Ps 23:4). The Lord’s Word is truth and trustworthy. It is staff for the helpless and scepter of righteousness for theconfused. It is His authority and power through which He leads His Church (who trust His Word) to restful water to lie down in green pastures.

Our guardian is watching (never sleeps) to "grant sleep to those He loves" (Ps 127:2). Our Lord is the “shepherd who restores the souls who love Him and guides them in thepath of righteousness.” “Who have His commands and keep them are those who loves Him” (Jn 14:21).

"I am watching to perform My Word"; "The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day" (Is 2:11)."I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!" (Gen. 49:18).

In this Issue

The English section: The first article, “The Resurrection As Life” by Fr. Matta El-Meskeen provides a deep orthodoxy understanding to the efficacy of resurrection in our lives and its resources. In the second article we continue to publish “Introduction to the Book of Psalms, 6- The Literary Forms of The Psalms cont.” by Fr. Tadros Malaty. The Third article is “Saint Mary in the Coptic Lectionary, (2)” by Fouad. Youssef.

The Arabic section: The first Article “The Book of Job” by Fouad Youssef. The second article is, “Teaching of the Holy Scriptures On Salvation” isextracted from the book of “The Precious Salvation” by St. Makarios Monastery, and Introduced by Dr. Raouf Edward. In the third article, we continue our study of the Minor Prophets “Book of Jonah”, by Mrs. Nadia Monir.

We thank every person that offered help in the translation, transcription, revision and distribution of the magazine, asking the Lord to reward them with His heavenly blessings. Also, we ask for your continued prayers for the success of this work serving the“Word of Life.”

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