It’s a phrase I’ve heard before after trying to assemble some complicated item or trying to learn how to operate a new piece equipment: “Did you read the instructions?” After all, the instructions were written by the maker of the item I am trying to put together or learn how to operate. Too often I resort to the owner’s manual only after I’m stuck, sometimes with a mess of pieces. It seems the same is true in life.
God is your maker. He knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). He has a plan for your life, a plan “to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB).” He has given you the instruction manual for your life, the Word of God which “is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” The Bible is the instruction manual for your life written by your maker.
In Isaiah 28:14-29, the prophet Isaiah is delivering God’s admonishment to Judah for not following the Word of God, the instruction manual for their life. God is encouraging them to return to His instructions to avoid disaster. “He who believes in it will not be disturbed (Isaiah 28:16).” God spells it out through His prophet Isaiah what will happen if they do not follow His word: “And now do not carry on as scoffers, Or your fetters will be made stronger (28:22).”
I like how the scripture passages after this verse describe how it’s important to follow God’s Word as prescribed — to carefully follow his instructions. In verses 24-28 he describes how the farmer must exactly follow instructions to obtain a proper harvest that is useable. “For his God instructs and teaches him properly (verse 26).” If the farmer ignores these instructions he will not obtain a crop or have grain that is useable. “Indeed, he does not continue to thresh it forever. Because the wheel of his cart and his horses eventually damage it.”
God has given us His word to guide us to a fruitful life. He wants what is best for us. There are times when it is challenging for us to follow His word, to go against what the world tells us to do. He has blessed us with the Bible, with scripture as our guide. “This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great (verse 29).”
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. “ – 2 John 1:6
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. – James 4:3
140 Character Christian 
I like the idea of the Bible’s being our instruction manual for life.
In other words, the B-I-B-L-E is “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” 😉
May God give us the strength to follow His Word. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
The Bible is the ultimate instruction manual.
Amen! Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Excellent post on a favourite subject, thank you!
I love alternative names for the Word of God which highlight it’s work in our life.
Praise God we have the owner’s manual for our life. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.