Hebrews 6:13-20 TPT
God’s Faithful Promise
13 Now when God made a promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater than himself, he swore an oath on his own integrity to keep the promise as sure as God exists! 14 So he said,
“Have no doubt, I promise to bless you over and over,
and give you a son and multiply you without measure!”
15 So Abraham waited patiently in faith and succeeded in seeing the promise fulfilled.
I just love the passage for today. God makes a faithful promise or oath to Abraham, as well as his descendants and seals it by swearing to the reputation of his own name. God is incapable of lying or not fulfilling his Word. What he says is Truth and he places his integrity on the line for generations of people to witness until Christ returns to set up his Kingdom on earth.
I am so grateful our pledge or oath of allegiance to the flag (to the Republic it represents) still bears the phrase “under God,” so as to remind us of the integrity of God. According to our passage, if we honor God’s ways, we can experience multiplied blessings based on his oath alone. When people take an oath of office it may include “so help me God,” but many states have asked for the phrase to be removed. It is perceived as specifically “religious” and therefore culturally divisive and offensive to some. The message of such an oath “so help me God” is to communicate a greater degree of seriousness and accountability in the performance of one’s duty; taking the oath before the One with flawless integrity who will one day serve as Judge. That does not seem religious to me, but of course the name of God is involved and instead of being viewed as the essential Creator, Savior, and Guide for humanity in every area of life, God is viewed by some as religious garnish.
The states that have removed the phrase “so help me God” prefer an affirmation “I swear” or “I affirm” which is only as valuable as the level of that person’s integrity; without the work and grace of God it is sinful and self-serving at best. I am waiting patiently to see how God is going to justify (prove) his perfect integrity to a country that was formed under his authority and yet has employed government leaders, judges, representatives, and lawmakers, as well as state and civic leaders and workers that devalue God’s Word or oath and reject his righteous Ways. I pray all the time for mercy and forgiveness, because I know one day we will all give an account for our allegiance, love, and devotion to God, as well as how our “deeds” to love our neighbors have actually aligned with his will. My duty is to vote; my name and integrity is on the line before Almighty God in that moment. Please pray for our country, leaders, representatives, officials, law enforcement and first responder heroes, and for people’s hardened and unbelieving hearts to be open to the goodness of Almighty God, his ways of love, and the blessings he has given his oath to extend to those who call upon his name.
Prayer: Lord, I take a deep breath today in your love, goodness, and the hope of my salvation found in Jesus Christ. Please guide me in the duties to which you have called me. Keep me accountable as I serve you and my neighbors. I pledge my life so help me God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.