The Bible instructs us to be sober and vigilant: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. Because Herod did not live in dependence on the Lord, he committed himself to a foolish decision, like other people who do not act wisely. Sobriety is a virtue necessary for everyone!

Why did this king decide to make such an oath, if he would have to fulfill it later or be ashamed forever? (Proverbs 17:28). He went too far for nothing, or because of an erotic dance. The reason someone speaks without thinking is that he does not have the Spirit of God. Why do some Christians shamefully stray and do wrong things for which they will later be accused? They do not even remember that they will have to confess their sins!

Only God knew what was going on in Herod's mind when, enchanted by the girl's gestures, he promised that she could ask for anything, even half of his kingdom, and it would be done. Notice that by this insane act, he committed himself to his word. However, only One can commit His Word: the Lord. Many do not trust the One who made the holy oath by Himself, since there is no one greater than Him, the Most High (Hebrews 6:13).

We can believe in the one and sovereign God. Even if the heavens and the earth pass away, His words will never pass away. The Lord declared this so that we would have faith in Him and the certainty that He will never fail and will return to this world: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18. This Word is enough for us to live with confidence!

Many people do not give their tithes or the offerings collected by the pastor for church expenses. However, God warns us: Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10. What do you say?

Those who disobey the Word in this matter are not completely in Christ and therefore will never see the fulfillment of God's promises: If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7. If you pray, but God does not answer you, check to see if you have believed what He says and followed all the things He has commanded (Matthew 28:20).

Some people try to “unmask” the Most High, looking for some flaw in Him that might justify their lack of faith. This will never be found in the Lord, because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Whenever the answer does not come, examine yourself and you will see that it is a consequence of your attitudes. The heavenly Father is patient and will show you where your mistake is!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares