Disciples Know Jesus’ Heart Regarding About Oaths and Keeping Your Word
Matthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
~ Jesus,
Oaths are not totally out of order. They are recognized in covenant-making situations like wedding vows, religious commitments and court proceedings; Even God Himself swore oaths (Hebrews 6:13).
Jesus does not mean swear no oaths at all like never, but rather swear no oaths at all such as in any variation, i.e. by heaven, by earth, by Jerusalem, or even by your own head. You may know some modern-day ones: On my mother’s grave, pinky-swear, God’s honest truth.
What’s the big deal? Why does Jesus emphasize that anything beyond a simple “Yes” or “No” is from the evil one?
People of Jesus’ day differentiated between the gravity of oaths bound to God and those bound to lesser things. Jesus removes any such distinction. Remember that Jesus is a revealer of motives in His Sermon on the Mount.
Why do people swear oaths anyway? The “Honest to God” swearer is often trying is to manipulate a person or situation. How do you react to someone attempting to manipulate you? Jesus pulls the proverbial curtain back on verbal manipulators here – and the evil influencer behind it.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, don’t let me get wrapped up in trying to manipulate people. I want to be straight-forward and honest, with my “yes” meaning yes and my “no” meaning no, leaving no room for the devil to gain an edge with me. Amen.
Psalm 84: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 84:1-8
- How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!
- My soul yearns,
even faints for the courts of the LORD
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. - Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young
— a place near your altar,
LORD Almighty, my King and my God. - Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you. - Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. - As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. - They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion. - Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The next two weeks of micro-meditations will be in Psalm 84: You’ll be pondering an imaginary conversation from God to you based on words from this Psalm. It’s a great way to “pray”.