Hepzibah

What is a Vow? A solemnly promise, a more serious level of promise to be adhered to. Vows can be between God and man; and between man and man. It’s usually voluntarily made in anticipation of an expectation ,it involves a performance of an act and without any legal backing.

What is God’s Position on Vow? Vow is not a commandment from God but it is one of the inspirational words. Man out of desperation when waiting on the Lord on a particular thing hastily make a vow . It’s like a deal offered to God , which He will not refuse. Once it’s voluntarily pronounced, God will expect it to be kept (Deuteronomy 23:21, Ecclesiastes 5:5).

Types of Vows-Vows can be simple, straightforward, and complicated. It can be monetary, sacrifices , service and material in nature. It can be as simple as a testimony to God in the presence of His people ( Psalms 22:25; 116:14). Whatever it is , they carry the same value and purpose in the sight of God.

Why make Vows? The Bible had a good record of people that prayed with vows and received speedy answers to long awaited requests from God. Hannah made a pleasing vow to God in her desperation for a child as she prayed in Shiloh ( 1 Samuel 1:9-11). The Bible recorded that after she returned home in Ramah that the Lord remembered her and she had a son ( 1 Samuel 1:19-20). Another celebrated vow in the Bible is that of Jephthah, the son of an harlot ,in his quest for victory and recognition by his people as he went to fight with the people of Ammon, he vowed that if God would give him victory, he will offered whatever comes out of his house to God ( Judges 11: 31) . As Jephthah advanced towards the people of Ammon, the Lord delivered them into his hands and they subdued before the children of lsreal ( Judges 11: 32-33). Jacob also made a vow at Bethel on his way to Pandan Aram on fleeding from his brother Esua , There he had a dream where God promised to give him and his descendants the land he was. On waking up, Jacob made a vow that if God would be with him on his journey and return him to his father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be his God ( Genesis 28:19-20). Jacob returned to Bethel with his entire households to worship God ( Genesis 35:1-4, 7). Apostle Paul cut his hair off at Cenchrea for he had taken a Nazarite vow ( Acts 18:18). About 40 Jews made evil vows that they would not eat until Paul is killed ( Acts 23:12-14).

You are equally at liberty to give a vow if you are waiting on the Lord, not from a place of doubt but as a gesture of appreciation to God. Remember God will do as it pleases vow or no vow. He is a merciful God, Your quantum of blessings is not dependent on the value of your vow. Beware to give vows within your reach, easily and timely redeemable ( Ecclesiastes 5:4), otherwise, you would make a fool of yourself. Do not give open ended vow like Jephthah that led to the sacrifice of his only daughter. It is advisable to pay your vow immediately it’s pronounced even before the manifestations of your prayers for there’s tendency for you to forget it. Failure to fulfill vow become a debt that God expects full redemption and will ask you of it . Vow will not be seen as an error in any way by God !!!

Have you made vows to another person? How committed are you in keeping the vow ? It is of utmost importance that you keep it to the letters. This includes your marriage vows ( more sacred) , your offer of assistance/ help to another, your words to redeem the money or material things given to you by a friend , your commitment to your local church and other words of promises or commitment to another person . Our Lord Jesus Christ broadened on the need to be truthful to our words and to every pronouncements in Matthew 5: 33-37. That every of our words, commitment and promises are as good as vows and should be spoken with all due considerations, truthfulness and MUST be kept to the letters. So that God will not be angry at you and destroy the works of your hand( Ecclesiastes 5 : 5).

Are you therefore in arrears of vows to God and to man? Is there a promise that you are yet to fulfill? Think of a commitment you have made to God or to man to be of assistance? Ask for grace to redeem all your debts and clear your vow arrears. It’s never too late. Have you made evil vows before? Confess them, God is merciful to cleanse you from such faults. Go in accordance with Jesus’s principle, do not make empty promises, but Let your” Yes be Yes” and your “No be No” ( Matthew 5: 37). Be a man of few words, be responsible and humble in your speech and promises. Take the advice of the wisest King Solomon, he said , it’s better not to vow or promise if you are not up to redeem it. If, however, you have been inspired to make your request to God with a vow, do abide !!!! The Psalmist encourages people to seek the Lord in a time of distress rather than remain alone , saying: Make vows then fulfill them to the Lord your God ( Psalms 76:12; Job 22:25-27).

Finally, remember you made a promise never to go back to sin and to serve God till the end, are you still committed to the promise? It is the most important vow , if need be , renew the vows and be committed to trust and serve God till the end of your lives so as to inherit the kingdom of God 🙏 The Psalmist said “Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High ( Psalms 50:14).

Vow is a serious business do not trivialize it before God and man. Be committed!!!.