Vows are the ultimate promises. We talk about pledges and contracts as types of promises, but vows are at the top of the list. We reserve the word, "vows" for marriage ceremonies - lifelong commitments. So, a vow ought not to be made unless one is deeply serious about it. 

"Then Jacob made a vow, saying, 'If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father's house in safety, then the LORD will be my God.' " (Genesis 28.20-21) 

A man named Jacob, who would later be renamed, "Israel", dared outline the terms of his commitment to Yahweh God. He sought God presence, provision, and protection as the conditions for his surrender. And, judging from the biblical account of his life, God did exactly that in abundance. It was a vow not made or received lightly, and it was a lifelong vow.

I vowed as a teenager that I would surrender my life in service, and I look back and see that God has done the very same for me. I've enjoyed a sense of His presence over the years. He has abundantly provided food and garments, as well as shelter. He has kept me safe from serious harm and sickness thus far. He has been far more than faithful, even though I've certainly had plenty of times of faithlessness and doubt. 

Based on the example of Jacob, it is not unreasonable to vow before God as he did. It is not unreasonable to seek His presence, guidance, provision, and protection as terms for following. And, perhaps today is the day to clearly state and pledge these same things as a renewal of commitment. Having done so, the LORD as God of your life will define and direct activity and service in ways you could not realize otherwise.

Vows should not be made or taken lightly, but Jacob's vow should be our vow, and a vow we should seriously consider this day.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013