The word for this week is "hasten". In the KJV it is found only in the Old Testament. The verse we'll be looking at is Jeremiah 1:12:
12 Then said the LORD unto me, You Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten My Word to perform it.
This is the Hebrew word "shaqad". Strong's Concordance says: a primitive root; to be alert, i.e. sleepless; hence to be on the lookout. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to wake, to watch, to awake, to be alert, to keep watch, to be wakeful over. I also found something interesting in the Theological Workbook of the Old Testament! A form of the word "shaqad" is found in verse 11. It is the Hebrew word "shaqed" and means either almond of almond tree in all of the above mentioned sources. Verse 11:
11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.
Here is why this is interesting (from TWOT):
The idea of watchfulness which is basic to the root affords the key to the explanation of the Hebrew name for the almond tree. This tree, which in Israel blooms as early as January and February and is affectionately looked upon as the harbinger of spring, is appropriately enough called "saqed" "the waker."
This name for the almond forms the basis for God's vivid object lesson on the occasion of Jeremiah's call (Jer 1:11-12). The almond rod, shaqed, is a reminder to Jeremiah that God will be watchful and punctual, shoqed, in carrying out what he has promised. The point of this is reinforced later in Jeremiah (Jer 31:28) when God refers to this passage (cf. also Jer 1:12 and Jer 44:27) which forms the basis of Jeremiah's ministry. Dan 9:14 indicates that this symbolism had impressed itself on Daniel.
Jeremiah 1:11-12 in the Amplified Bible says:
11 Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Jeremiah, what do you see? And I said, I see a branch or shoot of an almond tree [the emblem of alertness and activity, blossoming in late winter]. 12 Then said the LORD to me, you have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My Word to perform it.
This should give us great confidence in standing on the Word for anything! I have found through experience that God is RARELY early, but He is NEVER late! He is watching for the best possible time to manifest the answer! Just as Avery has confidence in your word to her, that you WILL do what you say, we can have complete confidence that OUR Father will also do what he says He will do. That's why we can praise Him with great joy BEFORE we see it! Here is Hillsong with "His Love":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
