The power of an oath lies in its binding nature, and in its ability to foster trust and accountability within the community of faith. The world is built on promises—oaths. The world of money and finances is built on the integrity of promises. To break a financial promise results in bankruptcy. If you don’t make your car payment or your house payment, the bank reclaims your car or your house. Marriage is built on promises. Good government is established on the integrity of promises. Failed promises result in the collapse of society. Or stated positively: the strength of society is a matter of keeping our promises. …
God models the importance and power of truth telling in the story of Abraham.
“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Genesis 22:15-18).
Here we see God’s Melchizedekian promise to Abraham to bless all the nations of the earth. Why is that a Melchizededkian promise? Because Melchizedek was a Priest of the Most High God. And it is the Most High God who makes that promise. …
