Over my lifetime I have purchased a wide array of items that come with an owner’s manual. All of my vehicles came with an owner’s manual. The woodworking tools I purchased in the past came with an owner’s manual. Just about everything today … no matter how big or small … comes with an owner’s manual.
In fact, yesterday I made a purchase and it came with an owner’s manual. There is a sentence on the front cover of the manual that says: “PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS, SAFETY INFORMATION, AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS OF THIS MANUAL BEFORE INITIAL STARTUP.”
Before you scold me about leaving my keyboard “cap lock” on let me tell you… the sentence appeared in all capital letters on my manual. My guess is the manufacturer thought that I needed to know how important it was for me to… not only READ but also to FOLLOW all the instructions BEFORE I begin using my newly purchased item.
It makes sense… for my safety and to get the most out of my purchase I need to READ and FOLLOW what has been written down in the manual.
Early on in the Old Testament… God was establishing the Mosaic covenant with His people. As the covenant was being detailed and agreed upon it was necessary to document the covenant. In Exodus 24:4 (NLT) we read, “Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD’s instructions.”
Why did Moses do this? The answer is simple… for the people to READ and FOLLOW.
Throughout the Word of God, we read references to God’s words and actions being recorded so that His people could be reminded of what they needed to know about their relationship with God.
After Moses died, Joshua was prepared to lead God’s people. God met with Joshua and gave him some leadership guidance. One of the things He said to Joshua was: “Study [READ] this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey [FOLLOW] everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
God created for us… The Bible… His written book of instruction for all of us to READ and FOLLOW.
God knew that there were going to be times when His people would need help understanding His word. God provided a Helper. Jesus said in John 14:26 (NLT) – “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
On Tuesday, August 25 at 10:00 AM I will be leading a small group Bible study on the book of Philippians in the church sanctuary. There is limited availability due to the pandemic restrictions, but I hope you will join me as we gather to READ and learn how to FOLLOW God’s Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Jim
