Day 68

Numbers 30-31.  “Pinky Swear”

Do you ever remember a day when your childhood friends made you cross your heart, and then make sure your fingers weren’t crossed, and then they would finally believe your words were true?
Some grown-ups apparently need the same prodding.  Jesus condemned the Pharisees of declaring their pledge wasn’t good if they swore by the Temple and not by the gold in the Temple, or if they swore by the altar instead of by the gift on the altar (Matt. 23:16-18).
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He directs us to forget swearing “by God” or “by Heaven” or whatever else, but instead just let your “Yes” and “No” be enough (Matt. 5:33-37).
God knows the damage broken promises can bring.  We see it everyday: broken marriage vows, broken pledges of purity, broken financial oaths, and broken promises.  God wants us to avoid unnecessary pain in our personal life, in our family life, in our church, or our business, by being people of our word.
We can rest in the fact that God keeps His promises and His Word is truth.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?