I know people that absolutely love any variety of Sour Patch candies. They love how the strong sourness turns to delicious sweetness. It is like an extreme thrill ride for taste buds. Not me! If I eat candy, I do not want anything sour. Just sweet, please.
My candy desire matches my desire for life in ministry. I want it all to be a sweet ride with no sour patches that shock my system. However, if you are serving in some form of ministry, whether voluntary, bi-vocationally, or full-time, I bet you have noticed it can be bittersweet. We bounce between sweet patches and sour patches, ups and downs. It is like we are God’s Sour Patch Kids.
At the 2023 General Baptist Summit, there was an intense focus on the calling to serve God in ministry. I found what Pastor Terrell Somerville said in his message quite interesting. “Private pain will always be a part of our public calling. Following Jesus is our greatest gift and our greatest burden.” It sounds a little negative; however, no matter how much we don’t want it to be, it is the truth.
Why does ministry have some bitter times? I mean if we are deep enough into the Word and in our relationship with Jesus, couldn’t we develop enough faith to dispel all the negatives? Wouldn’t that be nice? Sounds sweet!
In Numbers 17, the twelve tribes of Israel each brought a rod, or staff, to the Tent of Meetings where Moses laid them before the altar. The Lord had told Moses that the one that grew blossoms would be the chosen tribe to serve as priests, or in today’s terms we might say, “the ministry leadership team”. The rod of Aaron representing the tribe of Levi not only blossomed but produced fully ripe almonds overnight. They were called out from among the people to handle the business of the tabernacle. This calling was of such significance that Aaron’s rod was later placed as only 1 of 3 items in the Ark of the Covenant.
With God, every circumstance that occurs has intricate details with powerful meanings and plans behind it. This made me wonder, “Why almond blossoms and not figs, dates, or olives which are also known to grow in the Middle East?” There had to be a reason. This took me on a research project to learn about almonds.
Interestingly, the almond tree originated in the Iranian region. It’s doubtfully coincidental that this region is the Land of Ur from where Abraham originated. The covenant for the redemption of sins was made between God and Abram; then significantly God chose the almonds to announce the calling of the priests tasked with the caretaking of the only location where that forgiveness might be granted prior to Christ’s sacrifice. Later the almond seeds were carried throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. Almonds were even found in the tomb of King Tut. It sure makes you wonder if some Israelites seeking food during a famine may have carried them there. In Genesis 43:11 almonds are described among some of the best of fruits that Jacob sent to Egypt with his boys.
However, did you know there are two types of almonds? Bitter and sweet. We do not know if the almonds on Aaron’s rod were bitter or sweet, but I have to wonder if there were both varieties since God does explain the responsibilities of this ministry would be bittersweet in Numbers 18. Verse 1 shows us the bitter side, “Then the Lord said to Aaron: ‘You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood,” (NKJV). Then in Verse 8 God shows the sweet side, “I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service . . .” This job of priesthood would be a burden and a gift.
Again, I ask why do we need the bitter? Maybe it is to keep us humble. Maybe it is to make sure we fully rely on God. Maybe it is because fruit doesn’t grow on the mountaintops, it grows in the valleys. Maybe it is just the result of living in a sin-cursed world waiting for the return of Jesus. Maybe it is all the above – only God really knows.
I am confident, though, that God doesn’t want us to give up and wallow during bitter times. The truth is the bitter almonds are toxic containing cyanide. These almonds can only be used if the cyanide is extracted. For us I believe that means that God wants us to let go of the bitter attitudes we may harbor when the sour patches of ministry come. If we don’t, it will be lethal to our ministries.
Paul told us we have the power to overcome the negative thoughts and feelings of our minds. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things,” (Philippians 4:8). To get through the down times, we must praise God that we have been given the gift of ministry. We get the privilege to share the greatest story ever told – the redemption plan of Jesus Christ, and we are called to do so.
Pastor Terrell summed up the afore mentioned message with these words, “ . . . your true calling will keep you going! We don’t finish the race through comfort. We finish the race through conviction of our calling.” May we all focus on that divine calling as we continue to minister through the sweet and the sour patches!
About the Author: Lisa Vaught has served alongside her husband Chris in ministry for over 30 years. After 23 years of ministering through teaching in public schools, she now serves as ministry strategist at Connection Point Church in Jackson, Missouri, and enjoys presenting the Word through speaking and writing.