Revelation of the Word:

THEME: POWER OF VOWS

Genesis 28:20-22

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

INSIGHT

-Jacob saw angels ascending and descending upon a stairway to heaven, and experienced God’s glory, as he set out to Paddan Aram, upon his fathers instructions. God promised him many descendants, inheritance of land for him and his descendants, and a blessing. He then proclaimed a conditional vow to the Lord for provision, protection and success in his mission, where he would give a tithe of all in return. He also anointed the stone that was upon his head, and called the place Bethel. The Lord granted him success. Sometimes we ask God for such blessings in return for a tithe. We might have also experienced or heard of parents or grandparents who have made conditional vows on our behalf or other people. These vows might have been offered in form of libations by sacrificing goats, sheep, cows or any other animal, during traditional occasions. Some animals are offered during child birth, circumcision, marriage, burial etc. These vows might cause bondages when the spirit of death ancestors is invoked. We need to be careful when we interact with traditional practices and repent of all such oaths that might have been transacted on our behalf.

SUMMARY

Vows are powerful. They may either work for us or against us. Vows made out of idle talk or sound judgement are binding in front of witnesses. It is vital to be aware of the physical and spiritual presence of witnesses as we make promises. Sometimes we are involved either as active or passive participants in some traditional practices that involve offering of libations and invocation of ancestral spirits. These might cause hinderances if we are not covered by the blood of Jesus. Other times we make promises to God, that if He responds to our prayers; we would give a tithe or offering. We might fulfill our vows but other times we forget or dishonor our pledges. When we fulfill such vows, God promises to deliver us from trouble (Psalms 50:14-15). King Solomon honored his vow at mount Gibeon and the Lord blessed him with wisdom, honor, wealth, long life and peace. We are reminded that when we make a vow to the Lord, we should not be slow to pay it; lest we are guilty of sin (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). We also have vows of marriage that are binding infront of witnesses. These should be properly understood and kept to the later, for marriage is a binding union ordained by God. To fulfill the vow of marriage, we are called to love one another deeply from the heart (1 Peter 1:22). Vows must be taken seriously and to fulfill them is prudence. Jephthah had to sacrifice his only daughter to the Lord to fulfill his vow (Judges 11:30-31). Hannah also fulfilled her vow by dedicating her son to the temple as her husband Elkanah went to offer his annual sacrifice to the Lord (1Samuel 1:21-22). Even as we intaract with the power of vows, we should note that; God forbids us from making vows either by heaven for this is His throne, or by the earth for it is His footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King (Matthew 5:33-37).

PRAYER

You are Great God and greatly to be praised. You are honored above all other gods which are made by human hands and cannot see nor hear. In Your name Jesus; every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ You are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We worship You Jesus. We honor You Abba Father. We exult You Holy Spirit. May You increase us in wisdom, knowledge and understanding as we interact with the power of vows. May You break every vow that is not godly in our lives and families by Your precious blood Jesus. May You forgive us all our trespasses as we forgive all those who trespass against us. May You teach us dear Jesus to do Your will. May Your bless the work of our hands and make us fruitful our Lord and God. May You bless our nation and protect us from terrorism, unrest, political violence, poor governance, corruption, financial and economic distress, spiritual slackness, and give us leaders who are after Your own heart Lord Almighty. May You bless our families, nation, purposes, ministries, and all the nations of the world. May You bless us Lord and keep us. May You make Your face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us. May You turn Your countenance upon us and grant us peace. Amen

Blessed Weekend

Further reading: Matthew 5:33-37

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