Judges 11:30-31
And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, “then it will be that 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.” (vv30-31)
When trouble looms before us- whether it’s physical danger, financial difficulties, relational problems or something else – it’s common to try “bargaining with God.” If you make this disappear,” we say, “I’ll do that.” Jephthan did exactly this in Judges 11:30-31. “If you give he Ammorites into my hands,” he tells God,” whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph… will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering. God did give Jephthah victory – and to the man’s horror, it was his daughter who greeted him after the battle. Scholars are divided over whether Jephthah actually sacrifice his daughter – the practice was strictly forbidden in Mosaic law as a detestable act Leviticus 18:21 ‘And you shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.(Read) Deuteronomy 12:31 But there can be little doubt that his vow showed a lack of faith in God’s enabling power. Perhaps that is why, in the New Testament, the making of such vows to God is strongly discouraged Matthew 5:33-37 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ James 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. It’s better to trust God than to bargain with him.
PRAYER LINE: Dear Lord, Increase my faith to make vows and to honour my vows without any doubt whatsoever. Thank You Lord for answered prayers, Amen.
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When it comes to making vows, don’t stop at nothing.