Wisdom for the Ages: Heed the Commands of God. Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 02.13.2018” on Spreaker.
“My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee.” (Proverbs 3:1–2)
Regard for the Signs
Danger! Falling rocks. Steep curve ahead. Do not enter. Wrong way. Stop. Dead end. What would happen if you ignore very important street signs like these, or text and drive while speeding by them? Street signs are posted for a reason, and those who forget or disregard them will eventually meet catastrophe and potentially cause others a world of harm. Do not ignore or disregard street signs.
This is much like the counsel Solomon gives in our theme text. His instructions, which were based upon the Word of God, are like signposts on the pathways of life. Those who heed the signposts (or commandments), and embrace them from our hearts will experience a high quality of temporal life, and receive the promise of immortal life when Jesus returns.
The Word Preserved
Unfortunately, so few are interested in keeping God’s commandments, as though they are grievous or a bother to them. We often behave like strong willed children who detest instruction; nevermind the fact that parents are more mature, wiser, and have tons more experience than they. Nevermind the fact God calls children to honor their parents. Nevermind that God is watching and taking a faithful record of all things done in the flesh. My point is that just as the willful child speaks more than listens, feins knowledge more than being willing to listen, and postures to be right at all costs even when they are incorrect, we are all prone to ignore God’s holy signposts.
The blessing is that God has been kind enough not to allow vandals to completely efface His signposts although they have spiritually spray painted, reworded, dug up and turned them. He has preserved His holy Word and given all of us access to His immutable truth, through the Holy Spirit so we can know which way to go.
Abiding Law
If you want long life with as much peace as possible, and the gift of immortality at the Second Coming, embrace all of God’s words. Do not forget His law. Keep His commandments from the deepest part of your soul. The Bible says, “Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commands.” (Psalm 119:130–131, NET) Further, it says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Follow the signposts to eternal life.
A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.
