Faithful WordFamily Worship Center, 2/23/14 Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer PhD

Text: Jeremiah 1:4-12 NIV

Part One: FaithfulI. Almonds Anyone?- Hebrew winter holiday of Tu B'Shevat (like an arbor day).II. Hebrew word for “Almond” is shakeid (שקד)

A. Comes from a root that means to "watch" or "wake" (i.e., shakad: שקד).B. The almond tree is among the first trees to "awaken" from its winter sleep so

they watch for it to bud as the sign of Spring.C. Therefore they eat almonds on Tu B'Shevat to celebrate the return of spring.

III. The almond branch…A. The blooming branch of an almond tree is said to be “breathtakingly beautiful.”B. The LORD decorated the Menorah (Golden Candlestick) in the shape of almond

blossoms (Exod. 25:33-34; 37:19-20). C. He gives Jeremiah something beautiful and very meaningful.

Part Two: Faithful WordI. Jeremiah Interruption.

A. Matthew 27:9 30 Jeremiah- pieces of silver and the potter’s field.B. The statement here is from Zechariah 11:12 and NOT from Jeremiah.C. There is no error here. Remember, Matthew is writing to the Jews. In the

tradition of the Rabbis1, the order of the books is “Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the twelve.” By using the name of Jeremiah instead of Zechariah, Matthew is clearly and simply pointing the Jewish readers to the section of the “prophets” which starts with the book of Jeremiah. It is a cultural idiom like referring to all facial tissues as “Kleenex.” Calling anything from the prophets as from “Jeremiah” is the same as you calling any facial tissue a Kleenex.

II. JeremiahA. Jeremiah is the longest of the prophets.B. The call of Jeremiah and youth.C. Self-doubt can translate into doubting God.

1 From the Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Baba Bathra Folio 14a

III. The confirmation of faithfulness to His word.A. The play on Hebrew words…B. “Almond” comes from the Hebrew root word meaning “to watch.”

1. They “watched” for the almond to bud signifying spring was coming.2. Always reliable as compared to the ground hog.3. Apply the play on words to Jeremiah 1:11-12 11 The word of the LORD came

to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. 12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

C. God is watching over His Word to see that it is fulfilled. HE WILL BE FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD!

D. You are ready for Spring… God is ready to reward faithfulness.1. Some translators use “hasten” to perform His word.2. He is excited and eager to perform His word.

E. God NEVER forgets His promises.F. God NEVER forgets those He has promised to.G. God is EMET… He is always faithful.H. He will be Faithful to His Word.I. In 2014 God is calling you to reap the rewards of faithfulness!

Part Three: Faithful to the WordI. Pledge to be faithful…II. God is faithful to His word… You must be faithful to His word too.III. The New Testament Challenge.IV. Give away one Bible a month through Gideons – 12 Bibles=

Closing: Jeremiah 1:7-8 Don’t be afraid of people…Be faithful to share and know that God is with you.

Commitment Card… With God’s help as I start 2014 I commit myself to be…1. …Faithful to God in daily devotions and attending church.2. …Faithful to my family and other relationships, keeping sex only in marriage.3. …Faithful in my work doing all things diligently for Christ.4. …Faithful in my health taking care of the temple of the Holy Spirit.5. …Faithful in my finances, being a wise steward of what God blesses me with.

Discussion Items and Questions for Home and Small Group1. In your own words, explain the connection between almonds and watching for spring.2. Why do you think God is so eager to fulfill His promises?3. How are you personally doing on your pledge of faithfulness this year?4. Re-pledge to be faithful to God’s Word.5. Pray for each other.