It is Spring. The Almond Tree has Awakened.

From Facebook posts of friends all around the world, I am made aware that it’s spring – not exactly obvious in one-season Singapore; two, if you consider ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ as seasons. Through this, I am duly reminded of how the Lord affirmed the assignment of Archippus Awakening for me one year ago.

Before I share how He did it, let us first consider the significance of spring.

“Moreover 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.'” Jer 1:11

It was in October 2013, as I read Jer 1:11, that I was drawn to the symbolism of the almond tree. Digging a little deeper, I found that the almond tree was also known as the awake tree, for it was the very first to bud and blossom in spring whilst others remained dormant or asleep. It was then that the Lord said to me, “My people are in slumber. I am about to do another awakening and I want you to be a part of it.”

“And say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfil it.'” Col 4:17

Two weeks later, on 27 October 2013, the Lord clarified through Col 4:17 and that is how this ministry is known as Archippus Awakening, dedicated to the awakening of the saints that they may know and fulfil their God-given kingdom assignments.

After I stepped down from my pastoral position and duties, I took time out to pray and to put down my thoughts for Archippus Awakening. This cave time took me through the months of January, February and March 2014. Towards the end of that period, Singapore experienced a very dry spell. Everything was brown and we even had a few bush fires.

Then, when April arrived, trees all over Singapore started blooming and flowering, almost suddenly! It was on 4 April that I realised that the most common bloom was that of the trumpet tree; and that it resembled so closely the blossoming almond tree!

Instinctively, I knew it was a visual affirmation from the Lord: “It is spring, the almond tree has awakened.” It was time to begin “trumpeting”, declaring the message of Archippus Awakening. With that, I moved from cave time to wave time, boldly announcing this new ministry which I have received in the Lord.

And so, here we are, one year on. It is spring once more. How significant that we have just begun the expository journey of KINGDOM101, declaring the Word of the Kingdom with the desire that many will be awakened to know the King, to embrace the Kingdom and to receive their God-given Kingdom assignments. [Click here for KINGDOM101 Teachings]

As the Lord assured Jeremiah after he saw the branch of the almond tree, I believe this is what He is also saying to us, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”