Yes and No options

Vows, promises and oaths.

33 [a]“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all;[b] not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 [c]Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.-Matthew5:33-37

For me, Jesus is not saying that promises, vows or oaths are wrong. Vows, promises or oaths are in itself good. It is how we humans - with our imperfections - handle the vows, promises or oaths that make a difference. Jesus said, "Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one." Before we even make a vow, promise or oath, it is much better for us to ask ourselves if we are really serious into committing to something. Is it really a true Yes? Or is it a No? I remember a famous band singer who decided to marry his girlfriend. Within 24 hours, they filed for divorce. Can you believe that?? This is a true example of, "Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one." If one is never sure or cannot commit at all, then better not to enter into something binding.

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Yes or No?

My response to God's invitation is...

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.-Luke1:26-38

I remembered the responses of the Biblical figures who were selected by God for a mission. When Sarah heard that she would bear a son, she laughed and thought that the joke was on her. Moses came up with a lot of excuses. Jacob wrestled the angel. Gideon was afraid. Jeremiah made an excuse out of his youth. Mary responded with her wholehearted "Yes" to the plan of God. Peter acknowledged his sinfulness and unworthiness. Zacchaeus repented and returned the money to those whom he cheated. The thief acknowledged Jesus at the point of death. Paul embraced the new faith. So different are their responses. But how are we going to respond to the call of God? What if His invitation is not to our liking? What if the mission is bigger than life? Mary is inviting us to respond to God with a big "Yes." When God plucks us out for a mission, He intended it for us and us alone.

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