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Numbers 30:1-31:54<\/strong><\/span> Today in Numbers chapter 30 we read about the various complexities of vows, particularly related to women making vows. (and how their fathers or husbands can void them on day 1, etc.)\u00a0 Apparently the Jewish system and tradition of vows and what counts and didn\u2019t count got even more complex over the years between this chapter in Numbers and when Jesus was born.\u00a0 I love that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus simplifies the whole complex system of vows!\u00a0 Check out Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37 where Jesus says: \u201c\u201cYou have also heard that our ancestors were told, \u2018You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord<\/span>.\u2019 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, \u2018By heaven!\u2019 because heaven is God\u2019s throne. And do not say, \u2018By the earth!\u2019 because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, \u2018By Jerusalem!\u2019 for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, \u2018By my head!\u2019 for you can\u2019t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, \u2018Yes, I will,\u2019 or \u2018No, I won\u2019t.\u2019 Anything beyond this is from the evil one.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Let\u2019s let our yes simply mean yes and our no\u2019s simply mean no\u2019s!<\/span> Below is an image for Numbers chapter 31 verses 11 & 12: \u201cAfter they had gathered the plunder and captives, both people and animals, they brought them all to Moses and Eleazar the priest, and to the whole community of Israel, which was camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em><\/span> Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings in Numbers 30 and the vows reminded me of Avalon\u2019s song \u201cTestify to Love:\u201d<\/span>
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