Psalm 38 & Numbers 30
Psalm 38:1-22
The title of Psalm 38 is, a Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
What are the things to bring to remembrance?
(V.1-10) the wrath, the guilt, the pain, and the suffering
Remember that our Lord is holy and does not tolerate sin;
however He is also merciful so that we can cry out to Him, gaining access to Him through Jesus Christ.
(V.11-22) the avoidance, the deception, the confession, and the Savior
Remember that the relationships with men are fragile and hostile, if our relationship with God is not right. Men cannot help themselves let alone to save others.
There is only one name we can be saved under, Jesus Christ.
Number 30:1-16
Cross-reference:
Matthew 5:17
莫想我來要廢掉律法和先知。我來不是要廢掉，乃是要成全。
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 5:37
你們的話，是，就說是；不是，就說不是；若再多說，就是出於那惡者。
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Proverb 20:25
人冒失說，這是聖物，許願之後才查問，就是自陷網羅。
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
Oath and Pledge
Chapter 30 of the Numbers has the teaching of the oaths and pledges,
and it called out ladies when they make vows.
What should be our attitude toward making such serious and solemn promises/ guarantees/ commitment?
It is a blessing that there are also the New Testament and the teaching from Jesus, to help us understand and apply them in our daily lives.
Be mindful and disciplined:
Oaths and pledges are typically neutral;
however, our tongues and the state of our minds are not.
To avoid a rash promise or unfulfilled commitment, may our Lord help us to overcome our weaknesses and bear the fruit of Spirit, carefully guarding our hearts and controlling the tongue.
Be thoughtful and conversational:
Oath and pledges often involve with a decision, or a series of decisions towards a piece of belonging or property, a way of living, or a future event.
Decisions bring impacts, on us and people around us. A lot of considerations and communication, and prayers for one heart, one Spirit, one body are needed, as we are progressing in the journey of sanctification.
Be submissive and responsive:
Chapter 30 called out us ladies, placing seemingly ‘unfair’ restrictions, that fathers and husbands should be part of the process.
Of course women are independent individuals with full capacity of intellectual decisions and execution power.
But human beings are not perfect; women, as well as their fathers and their husbands, can and will make mistakes.
Let us be reminded that the framework of authority brings power as well as responsibility.
If there is a disagreement, God provides the instruction for His people to follow;
the fathers and the husbands, since they have the power to veto the daughters or the wives, they do bear the responsibility of the consequence.
May our Lord help us to see that restrictions could also be protections. As we are honoring our fathers and husbands, we are also honoring our relationship with God and His people.
Thank you, Father, for giving us Jesus to save us from your wrath.
Thank you for the Word and the Spirit to help us lead our daily lives.
May our faith grow in you and our lives represent a good testimony to others to draw people to you. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. —- Ivy Lin
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