Devotion for Sunday, April 7, 2024

“But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34).

What will you change with an oath?  You are either going to do what you said, or else, you will not.  The oath is just so much bravado.  From the “trust me,” to the “you can always count on me,” we make so many promises with all types of oaths.  The truth is that there are those who are trustworthy and those who are not.  Which are you?  It should be clear what the Lord is asking of all of us.

Lord, help me to assess my character and become one of those who does what they say they will do.  When I sin and do not as I ought, chastise me and help me to walk the narrow path.  The devil is a liar, and this age is steeped in lies.  What a mess.  Heaven is perfect and must remain so without any untruth.  Help me to learn how to be truthful so that I am fit to live with You in heaven.

Lord, You have given me great assurances and promises.  I do not see how, but I will trust by faith that You, who are able to do all things, will lead me to the place where I practice truthfulness in all things large and small.  Guard the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart so that I may walk with You this day, O Lord, my Savior.  Lead me, Jesus, in the way of the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.