True Believers Must Be Aware Of Their Promises
(Passage: Judges 11)
Judge Jephthah found himself between a rock and a hard place by making an irrevocable vow to God. He promised to offer an important sacrifice to God if he could help him overcome his enemies. Jephthah said,
“Whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering” (Judges 11:31).
God answered Jephthah’s prayer, but lo and behold, it was her only child who came to welcome him to his door-post when he returned from the battle. He found himself in a situation that he had to give up her only daughter. (Please note: This type of sacrifice is no more relevant today!). The scripture reported,
“When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her, he had neither son nor daughter. And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word of the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.” So she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the Lord, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the Lord has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon” (Judges 11:34-36).
Jephthah decided to honor his promise despite the magnitude.
Be Watchful; God Cannot Be Cheated
God deserves to be respected at all times. We must respect him, and we must keep our promises to him. Meanwhile, believers must understand that we cannot be rash in our promises to God. We must be careful not to make ambiguous promises when we are in the presence of God. We must weigh our words and consider their magnitudes – since God does not respect jokes! He will not hesitate to register our promises and ask for their fulfillment.
God will keep asking us for his rights (promise) until we fulfill them. Therefore, believers must be careful not to make empty promises to God.
God will bless anyone who duly fulfills his promises to him. He will ensure the person is blessed so that he or she can be motivated to keep the practice of honoring his/her promises.
Prayer For Grace To Fulfill All Promises
Dear God, please help me respect you through my words and actions. Let me fulfill my promises to you. Let the fulfillment of my promises open doors of opportunities in my life, and let me enjoy your goodness in the land of the living. For in the name of Jesus Christ, I make my requests. Amen.
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