In the book of Judges, chapter eleven (11), you will read about a judge who led the Israelites to war against the Ammonites. The bible states that he lived among scoundrels so pardon him for his lack of decorum but boy was he so careless. He was humble enough to ask God for help to save the nation of Israel but He made a promise to God, not fully understanding that anything you promise God must be without blemish. God is Holy and He always takes the best of the best. If you don’t remember anything, let the story of Cain and Abel’s offering to Him be your guideline.
Judges 5:30-31 NIV:
“And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”
I bet you that Jephthah thought one of his domestic animals would be the first to run out to meet him. In today’s world, he might have owned some puppies who would have wiggled their tails to come out in glee. No, it wasn’t an animal that came out but instead, the most costly possession he ever owned – his ONLY child and daughter who was a virgin. Yup, that seems to be the only thing in Jephthah’s household without blemish and that’s what God took. Jephthah learned that making careless promises has a maximum cost and we should all learn from his pain because Ecclesiastes 5:3-4 AMP has this caution for us all;
“When you make a vow or a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God takes no pleasure in fools [who thoughtlessly mock Him]. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”
My prayer for you this week is that as we recap and brood over our year thus far, may the Lord, out of his graciousness, empower us and grant us access to resources to honor the promises we have made to Him and to others in Jesus’ name. AMEN! God will always honor His word, the question is, will you?
XOXO,
Lady Abena