“When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”
Numbers 30:2
On an earlier Anchor day, we saw how the command against taking the Lord’s name in vain demands honesty in life and speech. If we are known for being truthful, we don’t need to invoke God’s name. If we are not truthful, doing so won’t help.
We must be honest with God. He knows everything, so this is really being honest with ourselves about God. Do you remember times you’ve made promises to be the best, most faithful disciple ever? How long did that last? You may have felt a bit like Peter who set his mind to following his Lord but then betrayed Him (see Matthew 26:31-75).
When we who are sinful know our need for grace, we will admit our weakness. We’ll realize that to do even the simplest good deed, we need God. Do not be tempted to think you are earning points or doing the Lord of the Universe a favor, for that surely is not true. The wonder of it all is that, sinful though we are, we are not mere servants. Through Christ we are adopted royal sons and daughters who serve our Father not with vows but with love.
We must be honest with God. He knows everything, so this is really being honest with ourselves about God. Do you remember times you’ve made promises to be the best, most faithful disciple ever? How long did that last? You may have felt a bit like Peter who set his mind to following his Lord but then betrayed Him (see Matthew 26:31-75).
When we who are sinful know our need for grace, we will admit our weakness. We’ll realize that to do even the simplest good deed, we need God. Do not be tempted to think you are earning points or doing the Lord of the Universe a favor, for that surely is not true. The wonder of it all is that, sinful though we are, we are not mere servants. Through Christ we are adopted royal sons and daughters who serve our Father not with vows but with love.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 5:33-37
Insight
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20a)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 17-18
- Psalm 112
- Romans 15-16
