The Law in a New LightSample

Jesus Reframes the Law – 4

Sometimes scripture refers to things that we aren’t all that familiar with; taking oaths is an example. It wasn’t uncommon for people to appeal to something/someone greater than themselves when making oaths – verbal commitments to a certain course of action. In themselves, there is little wrong with verbal commitments; there is much that is right about them. Taking an oath in a court of law bears similarities.

The people Jesus was addressing were appealing to heaven, earth, and Jerusalem – God’s domain of throne, footstool, and the King. He is telling us, don’t appeal to God and what is God’s to back your decision, be it a throne, footstool, or King. Just say yes or no, without the need to appeal beyond the integrity of your own decisions. In other words, don’t rely on that which is beyond your authority and right to appeal to, as though that secures you. A failure to fulfill a vow belittles the one or thing appealed to. This is not a good career choice when it comes to invoking God’s name.

A terrible example of a rash vow is found in Judges 11 where a man promised he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his home – it was his daughter.‘If you do this Lord then I will do that.’It is debated whether she was sacrificed or lived a life as a perpetual virgin. It was a foolish vow whichever way it went, as it had a profoundly negative impact on another person – therefore it was evil. Could it be Jesus was alluding to this?

Do a thing or don’t do it. Just say yes or say no. Both are in your power to do.

The ‘evil’ could also be in avoiding taking personal responsibility by appealing to something/one you have no authority or power over, and/or taking a foolish vow in the stress of the moment, later regretted. Say yes or no - beyond this we transgress into the realms of evil, as in the case of Jephthah in Judges 11.

And be able to say yes or no, without condemnation, fear, or man-pleasing. Many find it hard to say no, in part because of the emotional pressure of saying no and not wanting to let others down.No is harder than yes, in many circumstances, but should be honoured and accepted as no.

Stand by your affirmation or denial, your yes or your no.