Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

A Vow is a Vow
Read Leviticus 27:1-34

But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 26:45

Many of us are familiar with those unlicensed money lenders (loan sharks) who pursue and physically abuse debtors who cannot repay loans. In Malaysia, they are called Ah Longs. If God were to keep track of Christians who owe Him money or any other thing they have pledged, I wonder how many of us would be hauled up. (I will be among them.)
B116
God knows our weaknesses. In ancient Israel, He allowed the redemption of vows. Persons could be redeemed with money; unclean animals, houses and tithes with a 20% surcharge. However, clean animals could not be redeemed or even substituted. Redemption of land was encouraged by a very low redemption price (the value of seed required to sow it). The generally heavy penalties discouraged rash vows.

Here are two lessons for us. Firstly, we must be careful when making vows. Avoid making vows in the heat of the moment (usually in times of great elation or distress) only to regret our actions later. Also, we must never use vows as an excuse to shirk other responsibilities (Mk 7:9-11)

Secondly, we must keep our vows. This applies not only to formal vows but all promises to God. Examples of vows are vows to dedicate our time or money to God, marriage vows, and vows to preach the Gospel and defend the faith (for ordained or commissioned ministers). We have to repent of vows made rashly that we have failed to keep and seek the Lord’s forgiveness.

Select two promises of the Lord and meditate on them.