Buds and Blossoms
Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand, three branches of the lampstand from one side of it and three branches of the lampstand from the other side of it. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, and three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on the next branch, and the same for the six branches extending from the lampstand. On the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms, with a bud under the first two branches from it, and a bud under the next two branches from it, and a bud under the third two branches from it, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. Their buds and their branches will be one piece, all of it one hammered piece of pure gold.
“You are to make its seven lamps and then set its lamps up on it, so that it will give light to the area in front of it.
-Exodus 25:31-37, God’s instructions to Moses for the making of the lampstand in the temple, which is known as the Menorah.
The lampstand was created to give light to the area in front of it.
Since its creation, the menorah has symbolized God’s wisdom and guidance. Its seven branches point to the seven days of Creation, when the Master Planner finished His plans, one day at a time, and then paused to say, It is good. Since our creation, we humans have sought guidance and wisdom in the making of plans, and they do not always turn out in the good way we hoped.
God’s creative detail in the making of the lampstand is stunning. Buds and blossoms, almond flowers, all fashioned in 75 pounds of pure gold.
We don’t often think of #plans in terms of buds and blossoms. Share on XWe tend toward strong words and phrases such as ‘to do,’ ‘I will,’ ‘deadline,’ ‘deliverable,’ and ‘productivity.’ Flower words, in contrast, are fragile, delicate, organic. They are growing words, wilting words, even dying words. Blossoms are not always guaranteed.
I have been talking more to my rose lately. I would like to say I’ve been talking to my roses, but out of the three strong plants I purchased last year, only one survived. And of that one, there has been only one bud that became one glorious blossom this season. I pore over her, looking for the possibility of an additional bud breaking through, but as of yet, there is none. So I revel in the ever-widening blossom that is exceeding all measurements of all roses past, and stick my nose in her daily to drink in the sweetness of this one, solitary hope fulfilled.
The lampstand God designed was to give light to the area before it.
Oh, that we understood the language of God! As I gaze upon His lampstand this morning, my soul churns, thrumming with some ungraspable knowledge that He is saying something profound through it about plans and buds and blossoms.
In the light of God’s wisdom, what if I reframed plans through the lampstand of buds and blossoms? What if, instead of seeing a linear path of my own creation (with some fervent prayer that my plans succeed thrown in), I saw each one as a bud or bloom in the hands of the Creator of roses and peonies?
There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21
Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3
A person plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The making of plans and their fulfillment is clearly a dance between human effort and God’s sovereign wisdom. And, according to Jeremiah 29:11, His plans are ultimately good.
As I sat on my terrace weeping over seemingly destroyed plans, my eyes caught the kalanchoe I’d bought while on spiritual retreat last month. I’d passed it in the window of a small flower shop, nestled among hydrangeas, roses, and tulips. I wouldn’t normally be drawn to this humble succulent. But I heard the voice of the Lord whisper, Watch its buds and blossoms. That was before I knew what was to come two weeks later, an event that would dramatically change so many plans.
The kalanchoe sends forth little branches with clusters of flowers. Looking at it now, I noticed that some flowers were tightly shut, tiny green knots on the branch. Others were budding, petals just opening with promise of what was coming. Yet others were in full bloom, their delicate petals reaching fully outward, embracing the sun.
I reflected on the plans that had seemed so set on blooming just the day before. Now, the buds and blossoms seemed to carry a message from our Creator to me.
This plan is still a bud. Be patient.
That one opening up? Before you know it, it will be in full bloom. It’s coming. Wait for it.
But this one, wide open—it’s time for this one. Today’s the day! Take a moment and pay attention to how detailed, how intricate, how perfectly beautiful the Creator’s design is.
Slowly, my heavy heart grew lighter. Every one of my plans was in its own stage of growth, and the Grower of plans was in charge, not me. Each plan suddenly looked lovely in its stage, every single one a distinctive beauty, different from the other.
I released a deep breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, and with it, all the rigidity of rigid plans.
Plans bud and blossom in due course. God has set His light upon its lampstand, and it illuminates the area in front of you and me today. Look! Can you see the buds and blossoms? Wait for them…wait for Him.
Lord, the language of Your heart is thrilling to my soul. Teach me to understand, and thank You for plans in buds and blossoms. Amen.
Photo by the author.
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