LIGHT OF DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS

Take fast hold of INSTRUCTION; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life – Proverbs 4:13

The LIGHT of DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS secures life and preserves destiny on humanity’s highways: “Take fast hold of INSTRUCTION; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life” (Pro.4:13). The Light of Instruction delineates between life and death! A life that is void of instruction is set for destruction: “He is in the way of life that keeps instructions” (Pro.10:17a).

Verse 1 begins with a plea for children to hear “the instruction of a father.” The Almighty God is the first and foremost Father of all, particularly of Believers, whose instructions we must heed: “One God and FATHER of ALL, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph.4:6).  We must also heed the instructions of our fathers in faith and earthly fathers: “for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb.12:5-11). Obedience to instruction is a mark of authentic Son-ship!

Instructions preserve and secure lives; while absence of Instruction invites destruction and death. Proverbs 5:23 says concerning the wicked person: “He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” At every point in life, we need God to instruct us directly by His Spirit and His Word or through faithful fathers: on what to do next, where to go, where to turn, and what to focus on. He assures us: “I WILL INSTRUCT YOU and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psa. 32:8). The Holy Bible is a compendium of divine instructions that should be our compass as we navigate through the world’s wilderness. Every decision we take in life must be traceable to specific instructions received from God. Instructions are major highways to distinction in life!

Instruction is an icing on the cake of Wisdom: when a man receives Instructions, he becomes wiser (Pro.9:9). Dignity in life demands clarity of vision. In turn, Instructions supply Vision with precision; giving wheels to Vision. Devoid of instructions, vision will end in frustration. Children are exhorted to hear and attend to parent’s instructions: “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke” (Pro.13:1). Therein lies longevity: “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many” (v.10). Scriptures warn against despising, disdaining or refusing instruction, calling it foolishness: “a fool despises his father’s instruction” (Pro.15:5a).

• “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Pro.1:8).

• “Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it” (Pro.8:33).

• “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray” (Pro.10:17).

• “Listen to counsel and receive Instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Pro.19:20).

Examples abound of those who followed Instructions into distinction and others who despised instructions to their detriment.

Noah followed divine instructions and detailed specifications in constructing the Ark to preserve his generation (Gen.6:22).

Isaac, by divine instruction, sowed in Gerar and obtained stupendous, record-breaking results (Gen.26:1-6, 12-14).

Naaman gave up his pride as a Syrian Army Captain, obeyed instructions and emerged clean and cleansed (2Kg.5:1-15).

Peter encountered abundance through obedience to instructions (Lk.5: 4-7).

Mary told servers at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (Jh.2:5). Miracles manifested!

Those who revere and obey God’s commandments become commanders in life: “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Pro.6:23). The Light of Instruction, not luck, distinguishes between victory and defeat, success and failure, life and death. When you hallow heaven’s instructions, the world will give you attention! God’s simple instructions are the road-maps needed to avoid life’s bumps and enjoy safe rides. As you set your feet on the Highway of Instructions, your life’s path will be as “the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (v.18). You will ride on your High Places in life and attain the Zenith of Distinction in Destiny!