Vows

Scripture 

Genesis 31:13,18, 20 

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me.  Now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.”

Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan

Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (The Mighty God of Israel).

Observation  

Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he wrestled all night with the angel of God – face to face with God.  Jacob’s vow to God, when he had the dream in Bethel: Genesis 28:20  “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take and will give me food to eat and garments to wear and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.”

Jacob – ‘Israel’ erects an altar and fulfills his vow to God, the Mighty God of Israel.  Proclaiming, that God is now His God – the God of “Israel”. 

Application  

God’s faithfulness, blessing and mercy is evident through 20 years of working for Laban, (his uncle and father-in-law).   Even though Laban was unfair and deceitful to Jacob, God prospered Jacob, and showed Himself strong in his life. 

I too, remember God’s faithfulness to me, and I remember the vows and promises I have made to Him.  And Lord, I will fulfill my vows.  Psalm 76:11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them.

Prayer 

Father God, You have said You are with me and that You will never leave me nor forsake me.  You have brought me to an open place where there is peace.  You have blessed me abundantly with a relationship with You, and blessed me with a family, and many friends.  You have led me and guided me and have given me hope, purpose, and a destiny I know I will fulfill.  You are my God, the Mighty God who always does great and wonderful things!  I pray you continue to show Yourself strong in my life as I follow you and obey you all the days of my life – this is my vow.   For Your glory.  In Jesus Name, Your maidservant.  A-men.

PS  Release me Lord I pray, from vows made mindlessly and foolishly and help me to fulfill the vows that lead me to a closer walk with You.  A-men.

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