So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.

We need to be careful what we promise in God’s presence don’t you think? There is a clear warning in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7:

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

2 Do not be quick with your mouth,

    do not be hasty in your heart

    to utter anything before God.

God is in heaven

    and you are on earth,

    so let your words be few.

3 A dream comes when there are many cares,

    and many words mark the speech of a fool.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfil it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfil your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfil it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.’ Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

Of course, if you have made a rash promise, it’s not too late to start to fulfil it from today – and to look for God’s help in doing so. The truth is, we are unable to do anything God requires of us except by His strength.

The Israelites said, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” But they couldn’t. It is only under the terms of the new covenant that the required obedience is made possible:

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel

    after that time,” declares the Lord.

“I will put my law in their minds

    and write it on their hearts.

I will be their God,

    and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33

Thought: The Spirit of God will equip us to do what the Word of God tells us we ought to do.