Acts chapter 24 verses 12 – 15 (NIV)
The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”
What a silly oath to bind themselves with. Paul’s nephew found out about this plot and told his uncle. Paul in turn told the commander.
It got me thinking about two things. Firstly, I’m sure Paul would not hold anything against these men because not so long before, he was in their place persecuting Christians. It’s a reminder to me to remember the old saying, “there but by the grace of God go I.”
Secondly, how many people have prayed and said, “Lord, if You’ll do this for me, I’ll do such and such for You in return.” God doesn’t ask us to bind ourselves to unrealistic promises. He is asking us to be obedient to His will. He never complicates things, and doesn’t expect us to.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You will always thwart the plans of those who stand against You. Help me too to simply let my yes be yes and my no be no, and to remember that obedience is better than sacrifice. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.