“Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will give thank offerings to You. For You have rescued my soul from death, Yes, and my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God
In the light of life.” Psalm 56:12–13 AMP

The day we received Jesus Christ as Savior, we entered into a new covenant with God. Under the old covenant, blood was required for the covering of sin. That system pointed forward to something greater, the day when the Lamb of God would take away sin completely. Through Christ, that day has come.

“For this reason He is the Mediator and Negotiator of a new covenant [that is, an entirely new agreement uniting God and man], so that those who have been called [by God] may receive [the fulfillment of] the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has taken place [as the payment] which redeems them from the sins committed under the obsolete first covenant.”” Hebrews 9:15 AMP

Because of His sacrifice, our sin is not just covered, it is forgiven. And with that forgiveness comes a response. In the past blood was required, now obedience is desired! Since we have been born-again unto a new life, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to say no to our fleshly sinful nature. The Psalmist declares: “Your vows are binding upon me…” He understands that God’s faithfulness calls for a life of commitment. Again the writer expresses this point.

“18I will pay my vows to the LORD, Yes, in the presence of all His people, 19In the courts of the LORD’S house (temple)– In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)”” Psalm 116:18 AMP

Obedience has always been the desire of God, but now, through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live it out. True faith is not hidden it is lived out!  Jesus said:

“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:14–16 AMP

One of the purposes of our new life is to reflect the reality of our transformation. Our words, our actions, and our attitudes all testify to the covenant we have entered into. We live in a time where truth is often blurred, and values are reversed. But in the midst of that, light becomes more visible. The darker the environment, the clearer the light shines. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

So the question is not whether we are called to shine, but whether we will! Are we living in a way that reflects the vows we have made to God? God has been faithful. He has rescued us and established us as new creations in Christ. Now we are called to walk in that light.

Reflection Question

Are you living in a way that reflects the commitment you have made to God—or are there areas where your light is being hidden?

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Ken