You Promised

“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” (Nu 30:2 AV)

 Several chapters deal with the law of the vow.  Numbers chapter thirty is one of them.  This chapter deals specifically with vows offered by those under the authority of another; such as children, wives, or daughters.  If a vow was uttered by a subordinate, the master was also responsible for that vow.  Whether it be a husband or father, whatever those under his authority promised, he was obligated to see them paid.  He did have the right to disannul a vow rashly spoken by those under him.  But ultimately, he was responsible.  In the above verse, there is no wiggle room.  God takes vows extremely seriously.  Much more than people do.  Or at least, in recent generations do.  If we promise something, especially to God, He fully expects us to honor that promise.  There are rare exceptions to this, but for the most part, if we vow a vow, it is to be paid.

Vows come in many varieties.  There are financial vows like loans or budgetary obligations.  There are vows we make to our employer like being on time and performing the work assigned.  There are promises we make to God like reading our Bibles faithfully, studying the scriptures, and prayer time.  We promise to attend services, serve our local church, and even make promises to our community and neighbors.  We make all sorts of vows of various natures and purposes.  One of the most important of all is the marriage vow.  Marriage is a commitment that mirrors the commitment of God to His people.  It is a bond that cannot be broken.  As two people vow to one another to remain faithful and committed, it pictures what Christ will do for the church.  Regardless of the vow, there are benefits to God, ourselves, and others.  They help us to learn discipline, sacrifice, and a purpose in life.  When completed, the vow often comes with great blessings.  There is a satisfaction that something we vowed was completed.  There are spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical blessings in honoring a vow.  For one, our character is established with those who see our honor in paying a vow.

We can look at the command above only in the light of it being a command with consequences if we fail.  This is certainly how the law of vows is often presented.  But think of when your house or car gets paid off and you have a clear title to them.  There is a sense of satisfaction that something for which we signed on the dotted line has been accomplished.  Sometimes, these vows are ones we made to ourselves.  Perhaps to lose weight, get an education, or read more books.  Knowing we have met the goal to which we vowed gives us confidence and self-worth that enables us to continue our goal of self-improvement.  The point is clear.  If we make a promise to God, others, or ourselves, the LORD expects us to keep it.  No matter how difficult it might be, if we vowed, we must see it through.  And that is a good thing.  The old man needs to be disciplined.  The new man needs to grow in honor and discipline.  The old man that wants to quit should be destroyed so the new man that desires to endure can do so.  Pay that vow!  You will feel a lot better when you do.