AS IT WAS, AS IT IS (4)

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AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (4)

[Highlighting Jesus' review of the Laws of Moses]

a. "You have also heard that men were told in the past, 'Do not break your promise, but do what you have sworn to do before the Lord'. But now I tell you, do not swear any how when you make a promise; do not swear by heaven, because it is God's throne, nor by earth, because it is the resting place for his feet, nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king.

b. "Do not even swear by your head because you cannot make a single hair white or black. Just say 'yes' or 'no' –anything else you have to say comes from the Evil One." (Matthew 5:33-37 TEV)

c. "But above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath, but let your yea be yea, and your nay be nay, lest ye fall into temptation. (James 5:12)

This is God's Way, It May Not Be Popular

The recommendations promoted in this article may not sound popular or seem regular. It is the Kingdom way.

It is God's way. He does not impose it on us, but offers them as a manufacturer would give users guide to ensure proper use of a product. We are God's products. In this article is Biblical recommendations on oat-taking.

No Longer as it Was

In this series of teachings, we are considering the issues Jesus raised in the book of Matthew Chapter 5:21-48. In the first three editions, we focused on Jesus' teaching on verbal murder, adultery, and divorce, forgiveness and reconciliation.

In this forth edition, we have considered the next issue Jesus raised: swearing and oat taking.

Swear Not At All

The Law permitted the people to back up their claims with an oath. Jesus acknowledged this and added that we should not swear (to prove a point) any longer. Not for any reason.

Jesus said in verse 17 of the same chapter just before he started addressing the Mosaic doctrines, that he 'did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it'. (v.17)

So it is established that he recognizes the importance of the commandments of old. Yet, why did he condemn swearing?

Do We Trust That Jesus Means Well For Us?

Personally, I've had to question this particular review on swearing.

This is because in modern day society, there are already established legal systems and process which involves oat-taking, judicial and democratic swearing. This happens at assumption of political or leadership positions.

In my country for instance, politicians and public office holders swear with either the Bible or the Ko'ran.

I may not convincingly prove the dangers of swearing, but I have learnt to admit that Jesus' recommendations were well-meaning.

Is There a Spiritual Consequences on Oat-Taking?

Jesus always spoke from the spiritual perspective. After saving the woman (reported to be) caught in adultery, He did not say to her, 'Go and keep away from the Pharisee', rather he said, 'Go and sin no more'. (John 8:11)

In another similar case, he added '...lest a worse thing befall thee.' (John 5:14c) The Bible says that we shall account for every word we speak. Satan could capitalize on the oat we make and fail to fulfill.

Let Your Confirmations Be 'Yes' or 'No'

In part 'b' of our text above, Jesus said 'let your communication be 'yea yea' or 'nay nay' in (KJV).

Whatever is additional 'comes from the Evil One'. James put it thus, 'lest you fall into temptation'. It feels to me that unfulfilled oats are spiritual legal count charges the devil uses against the children of God.

I therefore exhort in line with God's word that as much as you can, you should avoid swearing, especially in our conversations. Maybe there is an exception to this, or otherwise.

I guess in terms of attitude, this recommendation promotes sincerity. And I think there is more to it than the convictions it compels on our audience.

Moreover this is the kingdom way; the God way. It may not make sense to the world.

I pray the Lord help us to live according to His Commandant, in Jesus name. Amen.

Look up another editions of this series.

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