Oaths

The next thing that Jesus comments on is the giving of oaths. Oaths are an invention of man. Place your hand on the Bible; "I swear on my mother's grave". What good is an oath. An oath cannot bind you to tell the truth. An oath cannot compel you to say what is truth. So what does the Lord say about taking oaths:

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.'" Matthew 5:33, NKJV

The idea of swearing (as in oath) is referenced 37 times in the Old Testament. However, only one time is it referenced as a Law. In the book of Leviticus 19:12 it states, "And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord." Swearing between two humans is something of an invention of man. It has translated out even in our time today. The minute we write a check, we are swearing an oath that the money is in the account, instead of having the cash on hand.

But Jesus does not agree with the idea of swearing. The only reason why I say that the giving of oaths is a man made invention is because Jesus contradicts it. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus never contradicts the word of God, He only amplifies it. Here He does away with the idea of giving an oath. Also remember, that Jesus is speaking with His disciples, not the world at large. The giving of oaths between brothers is not recommended by our Lord.

"But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth for it is God's footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black." Matthew 5:34-36, NKJV

He covers all the bases. Do not swear at all. Do nat swear on anything. So if we cannot swear, what can we do?

"But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Matthew 5:37, NKJV

What a concept. Just allow what you say to be the truth. I don't know about you, but I cannot stand when I am speaking with someone and they have to suffix their statements with something like, "You can trust me," or "That's the God's honest truth." If it is the truth then why the extra effort to try and convince me? Our words should be the truth no matter what. As we develop relationships, this will become evident with our friends and with our families and even in the work place. The truth constantly run from your lips and no one will question you, because you have given them no reason to.