Moses gives laws regarding vows and pledges. A man is required to fulfillthe vows he makes. A woman‘s vow is subject to her father‘s or husband‘sapproval. If her father or husband disapproves, the vow becomes void. Vowsmade by a widow or a divorced woman are binding. - P147
1Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: "This is what the Lord commands:
2When 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. - P146
It is fitting that laws for vows follow the regulations about festivals since people often made vows at festivals while offering sacrifices. Making a vow or promise before God is a serious matter. - P148
When we go through times of difficulty, it is tempting to offer up conditional promises to God, vowing to do something only if He answers our prayer requests. - P148
However, these laws remind us to measure our thoughts and words carefully. We should not make rash promises or unreasonable demands. - P148
Before we speak, we should ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and guide our words so that we are offering up vows that are pleasing to God rather than self-serving. - P148
Among the Israelites, the men bear the responsibility for the women in their household. The men not only need to provide financially but they also bear the consequences of any vows their wives or daughters make. - P148
These instructions demonstrate that God does not take vows lightly, and add a layer of accountability to protect His people from making rash vows. - P148
Today, we can all do our part in keeping each other accountable with our vows and promises to God. Whether friend, family member, or fellow Christian, we can share about our vows and pray for one another. - P148
We know that our God is the perfect promise-keeper, and we must strive to be like Him, fulfilling the promises that we make to Him and to one another. - P148
The apostle James is creative with his metaphors regarding how we utilizeour tongues. In James 3:4-5, he writes, "Take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered bya very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. - P149
Likewise, the tongue is asmall part of the body, but it makes great boasts." It truly is remarkable thata massive vessel carrying thousands of people can be controlled by a smallrudder in the hands of an able captain. - P149
Similarly, the tongue is such a smallpart of the human body, but it can hold massive power.
- P149
The tongue can make great boasts, exaggerating to make ourselves lookgood. It can be sharp and unsparing, cutting a person down with words.
- P149
We can use our tongues to make rash promises without thinking about thecommitments we are making. There is so much potential for destruction inthe words that come out of our mouths on a daily basis!
- P149
Thankfully, the opposite is also true. We can give life to those around usby encouraging and lifting one another up with our tongues. - P149
In my encouragements, I try to be specific because I know that positive words havegreatly energized me. Each day, let us choose to give life with our words.
Let us yield our tongues well, seeking to build up our brothers and sistersin Christ. - P149
Heavenly Father, I praise You for You are the promise-keeping God. - P149
Help me to be more like You in making promises with wisdom and faithfully keeping them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P149
God commands Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for leading Israelinto sin. Moses sends twelve thousand men, one from each tribe, to fight. Theydefeat the Midianites and kill their kings. - P151
They also kill Balaam the diviner. TheIsraelites seize their goods, as well as women, children, and livestock, andbring them back to the camp as spoils of war. - P151
In Habakkuk 1:5-6, the Lord tells the prophet, "Look at the nations andwatch-and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in yourdays thatyou would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up theBabylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people." Understandably, Habakkuk is flabbergasted. He knows that the people of Judah deserve judgment,
just as Israel has already been conquered by Assyria. However, how couldGod use the utterly godless nation of Babylon to execute judgment?
- P153
Later, God reassures Habakkuk that He will judge Babylon as well. In thisbook, we catch a glimpse of the inner workings of the Lord. God mustjudge His people for their unfaithfulness, but this does not mean that theother nations will remain unpunished. While God permits the wicked na-tions to serve as agents of judgment, He does not approve of their actions.
In fact, He is angry at them as well, and they will be judged for their injus-tices. The situation is complex, but the bird‘s-eye view helps us understandGod‘s devotion and commitment to His covenant people.
- P153
We have the privilege of knowing that, thanks to Jesus‘ death on the cross,
the judgment we deserved has been fully paid for. - P153
We also know that, inthe face of current, rampant injustice, we have the sure hope that one dayChrist will return and make all things right. - P153
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, theauthor of our salvation for all of our past, present, and future. - P153
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