The words in our title today were spoken by Jephthah, a judge in Israel. This man made a foolish vow to the LORD, stating,
Jephthah’s Vow: A Promise Made to the LordIf You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’s; and I will offer it up as a burnt offering. (Judges 11:30-31)
On the western shore of the Dead Sea, on Jebel Usdum (the Hill of Sodom), is a pillar of salt known as Lot’s wife. Is it her? I don’t know. What I know is that there is a lesson about faith and obedience to learn from her.
Lot’s family were warned,
A Pillar of Salt: A Warning from Lot’s WifeEscape for your life! Do not look behind you… (Genesis 19:17)
Of the Lord Jesus and His obedience to the Father, the Hebrew author wrote:
He Learned Obedience: What Hebrews 5:8 Really Means…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
The Lord’s baptism is of such importance that each gospel writer has left a record of it. Mark and Luke provide sparse details, while Matthew and John use Jesus’ bapttism to strongly affirm His deity and offer an authoritative example of baptism for all who wish to serve God.
Important Lessons from Jesus’ Baptism You Need to Know
Everyone knows to make a good sandwich taste better, you put “lettuce” on it. To make us spiritually better, or be salt of the earth, “let us” do certain things the apostles say. Notice the emphasis on “us,” as we have been set apart or sanctified by the blood of Christ. We are the chosen people of God.
Let Us Focus on Purity, Obedience, and Diligence for Spiritual Growth