The Budding Rod
(Ref 11/22)

Oil painting done on stretched canvas.
No need to frame - ready to hang on wall

Size of canvas : 120 x 60 cm

South-Africa
R18 500
Postage within South Africa is included

USA
$1175
Postage - canvas rolled in a tube is included in price
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(Aaron’s rod) The Budding Staff

We read an extraordinary account in Numbers 17:1–13 of a lifeless piece of wood brought to life overnight.
“On the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony, and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.” (Num. 17:8)

This miracle points us to Jesus. In Him, those who are dead are raised to life by the power of the Living Word.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.’” (John 11:25)

Just as Aaron’s rod, once barren, blossomed into life, so Christ, once laid down in death, was raised to eternal life. He is the first “dead rod” resurrected, and in Him, we too may live and flourish. Though we may seem like dry, bare branches, faith unites us with Christ, and we share in His resurrection life. As the Scripture says: “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven” (John 3:27) and “From Me is your fruit found” (Hosea 14:8).

The Father’s appointed High Priest is Jesus alone:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Aaron’s rod is also a picture of our calling and authority as priests in God’s Kingdom:
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession…” (1 Peter 2:9)

The blossoms, buds, and almonds symbolize the progression of fruitfulness in our lives—the promise, the process, and the fulfillment. This is only possible through the Spirit of God working in us as we receive His seed—the Word. No other seed can produce Kingdom fruit. As Jesus taught, “By their fruit you will know them” (Matt. 7:16).

Thus, those whom God has chosen are made evident by their fruitfulness:
“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (John 15:8)
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)

In biblical times, a rod symbolized authority. This account is therefore a reminder that God does not tolerate rebellion against Himself or His appointed leaders. His anointed ones walk in servant-leadership, modeled perfectly in Yeshua. The true measure of spiritual authority is found in love and obedience to God’s Word.

Please pause and reread John 15:1–17 (AMP), allowing the Holy Spirit to water your soul with these words of Jesus about abiding in Him, bearing fruit, and living in His love.

The Almond Blossoms
The almond tree is the first to awaken in spring and the last to shed its leaves. It “stays awake” the longest of all trees. In Jeremiah 1:11–12, the Lord shows Jeremiah a rod of an almond tree: “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”

The Hebrew word for almond tree is "shaqed", closely related to shoqed, meaning “to watch, to hasten.” The almond therefore symbolizes God’s watchfulness and His eagerness to fulfill His promises. It is an emblem of His Word—living, alert, and unfailing.

The psalmist writes:
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2–3)

The Bee
Throughout history, the bee has been seen as a symbol of Christlike attributes. Bees embody diligence, unity, and service. They labor for the good of the hive, defend it faithfully, and live to serve their queen. In the same way, we are called not to live for ourselves, but to serve the King and His Kingdom, helping those around us grow in the knowledge of God. The bee also reminds us of holiness, for it is tied to the biblical promise of “a land flowing with milk and honey.” To inherit the promises of God, we must walk in holiness, obedience, and service to Him.

Conclusion:
In Aaron’s budding rod, the almond blossom, and the humble bee, we find a rich tapestry of spiritual truths. They remind us of Christ’s resurrection life, the fruit of the Spirit in us, God’s faithfulness to His Word, and our call to serve His Kingdom with love and diligence.