| Jim O’Brien <busloco@gmail.com> | Thu, Feb 19, 8:15 AM (22 hours ago) | ||
to me | |||
Judges 11:30,31
‘And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If You will indeed hand over to me the sons of Ammon, then whatever comes out the doors of my house to meet me when I return safely from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”‘
This is a very sad story. It was a gamble that went bad. Fortunately Jesus said in Matthew 5:34, “But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne”. The NLT uses the word vow. The whole world can breath a sigh of relief.
Burt Reynolds was in a movie in the 70’s or 80’s in which he may have been ready to drown so he prayed and said he would serve God if He would save him. However the closer he got to shore he continued to renegotiate his vow. By the time he walked out of the water he was doing nothing. It was funny, but very relatable about vows.
We don’t need to make a vow as Jephthah did to get His favor or His help. If we are His child we already have it. We don’t have to make a vow or work to get it.
God has always loved us, but the forgiveness came when Jesus died on the cross. He took our punishment. We only have to ask Him and bow our knee to Him. Some don’t like the second part. Admittedly I didn’t either. However, it was worth it to receive His forgiveness.
I have since learned that being a servant of Christ is true freedom. John 8:34 says, ‘Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.“‘ This took years to understand. I thought vows and commitments were things He wanted.
It was learning of God’s love and grace that set me free. Yes, I seek to obey His Word and follow Him. But He isn’t a taskmaster, but a loving Father. In another place He says that His yoke is not burdensome. So true.
If those who are made nervous by Him only understood that. He is a good God and He wants good things for us. He will have us do works for Him. Not nearly as grand as Jephthah’s. We don’t need to swear oaths to get His help or His favor. Just trust and obey.
Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy and goodness. Thank You that You use us for Your purposes. Help us to rely on You and seek Your will. Thank You!