Mensa Otabil - Don't Forget God's Instruction (10/01/2025)
This week we are looking at the book of Proverbs, and we’re going to focus on Proverbs chapter 3. There are quite a few interesting observations we are going to make in the book of Proverbs, which guides us practically with wisdom. So we start with Proverbs chapter 3, verses 1 and 2: «My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands. For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.» The book of Proverbs is a very practical book. It provides us with a practical guide for how to live our lives in a godly way, based on observations that the children of Israel made concerning their dealings with God. It is a very important rule to have as we begin a new year, teaching us valuable lessons for everyday living.
The first thing we notice in chapter 3, verse 1, is the nature of God’s word. The passage describes the word of God as law: «My son, do not forget my law.» God’s word is not a suggestion, and when we read God’s word, He is not giving us an option that we can choose to follow or not. God’s word is a rule; yes, you can decide not to follow the rule, but it is the rule. Anytime you depart from it, you are departing from the standard. The word of God is law; it’s a rule, and it is also a command. It’s not something that you can really debate or negotiate. God’s word is law, and God’s word is a command. The address goes to someone who is receiving God’s word; he is called my son, and we can also say my daughter. The instruction here is from a higher authority to a lower authority.
The word of God is law, and the word of God is a command. Then the second thing it says is, «Let your heart keep them.» This means that God’s word is something we must hide in our hearts; it is something we must observe, something we must apply to our lives, something we must live by. It is a rule by which we live our lives, and it says that when we do that, there are benefits: the word of God will give us a length of days, long life, and peace. Length of days, long life, and peace— I suppose that is what we are all looking for. We want to live long, have a good life, and find peace in our lives. How do we do it? By seeing the word of God as a law and as a command.
That is the first approach we have to God’s word, so that when we come to it, we allow it to rule over our thoughts, our desires, and our expectations. We do not elevate what is in our culture above what is in the word of God. We do not take what we’ve learned in a book and place it higher than the word of God. The word of God is the law, the rule, and it is our command. I pray that this week, as we encounter all these practical guides from God’s word, you will accept it as rule and command. Then you will have long life and experience much peace in 2021.
Let’s share a word of prayer together; say with me, «Heavenly Father, your word is my instruction. Teach me how to apply your word to all aspects of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.» Let the word of God be your rule, and let the word of God be your command. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.