The word for this week is "oath". There are a couple of verses in the New Testament using this word. We'll be looking at these:
Luke 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. KJV
Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; KJV
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. KJV
These are all the Greek word "horkos". Strong's Concordance says: a limit, i.e. sacred restraint. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: an enclosure, that which restrains a person. It also adds, in reference to Hebrews 6, the confirmation of a compact among men ("the oath is final for confirmation"). Also in reference to God's oath to Abraham (confirming His promise, which cannot be changed). These are all in reference to our having an assurance that we can count on God and His promises. In James, though, we see that we are NOT to swear by an oath, but that our word should be enough. Some people have used their "I swear" to try to convince of their truthfulness and sincerity. The exhortation is to be a person of such integrity and reliability that no one will doubt what we will do! People should be able to count on us, making it very important that we only say what we really mean and then DO what we say! That's especially important with children! When they can count on us to be true to our word, they will strive to do the same! Although sometimes their understanding of what they THINK they hear can lead to some pretty funny stories that we will be reminding them of as they get older! :) I love the confidence that your girls have in you and Kristine and your love for and protection of them. They are free to be the best of themselves that they can be! Here is Hillsong with a song about the confidence we have in Him ALWAYS being the same! "From The Inside Out":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
