The first thing each of us does when we receive a new piece of equipment is to study the instruction manual. The reason we do this is to learn from the designer how that equipment was intended to function and how we can best achieve the results intended by the designer. The same is true for our nations. We are not the designers but rather entered into the picture long after their creation and are responsible to fulfill our stewardship in achieving the intent of the Designer. We cannot even look to the Constitution and the original intent of the founders of our nation as our guides. In reality, the design was imposed by our Creator – Almighty God. Our first step is to gain confidence that our Creator has given us an instruction manual in the form of the Bible. Then, we will need to study that instruction manual with the intent to apply what we learn.

The reality that our Creator has given His instruction manual in the form of the Bible. Let us begin with that first step – understanding the Bible as God’s instruction manual for operating within His creation. There is one chapter in the Bible that stands out. It is Psalm 119, which may be studied in detail via the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119&version=HCSB.

This chapter is best viewed as God’s introduction to His instruction manual. In reality, it is a conversation between one who views himself as “Lord’s servant” with our Creator. In this chapter, it emphasizes that the Bible is God’s instructions 25 times, His precepts 21 times; furthermore, His commands 23 times, His decrees 23 times, His statutes 22 times – instructions, precepts, commands, decrees, statutes – all of which are relevant as guidelines to us in operating according to His design. Each of these concepts repeated throughout Psalm 119 – instructions, precepts, commands, decrees, statutes – make clear what is necessary in order to operate successfully within His Creation.  Literally, it makes it abundantly clear that this book, the Bible, is the Creator’s instruction manual. Let us briefly look at a few of our Creator’s teachings in this rich chapter, speaking through His servant:

How happy are those …who live according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart (Psalm 119:1-2).

Here is a simple motivation for understanding the need to study this manual. It is the clear expectation that those of us who operate within His creation will “keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart”. Other statements which support this, all addressed to our Creator:

I love Your instruction (Psalm 119:113).

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble (Psalm 119:165).

I understand more than the elders because I obey Your precepts (Psalm 119:100).

Lord, … teach me Your statutes. … I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as in all riches (Psalm 119:12-14).

This makes clear the heart attitude necessary in approaching this instruction manual. We should treasure God’s instructions as our greatest riches. We should view this instruction manual as our most-prized possession!

Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me (Psalm 119:18-19).

This acknowledges that we do not have the wisdom within ourselves to operate within each area of our Lord’s creation and that we need guidance that can only come from God, the Designer. This is emphasized elsewhere in the Bible where our Creator teaches:

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I do not believe anyone responsible for affairs of State can feel secure in one’s own wisdom. Hence, this argues that this chapter and the manual it refers to – the Bible – is essential for the one desiring to be a Statesman.

This expresses a clear recognition of the need to live within the guidelines of this manual. Clearly, God loves and cares about the well-being of His creation so much that He has given us everything necessary to fulfill His instructions.

Approaching the Bible with the confidence that it is our Creator’s instruction manual for affairs of State. In the midst of giving instructions for His creation, our Creator gave specific instructions for operating within Government. As our Creator was establishing the institution of Government, He gave this specific directive to the Head of Government that seemingly applies to all who serve in a decision-making capacity within Government:

And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

Each governing official is to immerse oneself in God’s instructions that they first write out in their own hand for their own use, and then meditate upon daily. This is fascinating in an age when traditional thinking calls for “separation of Church and State.” The Head of Government, and presumably all officials operating under delegated authority from the Head of Government, are to write out the Law of God from the Bible. This group is apparently the only one that is asked to write the Law of God for their use in fulfilling their responsibilities. No other group than Government decision-makers is identified as required by our Creator to do that. Furthermore, this reminds us of just how important Government decision-makers are in God’s plan and of His plan for them to be His instruments.

Approaching our Creator’s Instruction Manual. Altogether, our Creator made clear that our own intrinsic wisdom is inadequate in navigating the complex challenges facing Government and that we need His wisdom and guidance. It is not enough to want to be obedient to God. We must recognize that our well-intentioned wisdom is inadequate, and we must seek His wisdom – His direct guidance. Hence, we must commit ourselves to this instruction manual as our Creator’s servant expressed:

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands (Psalm 119:73).

The revelation of Your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced (Psalm 119:130).

As we recognize the application of the truths of this portion of the Bible to affairs of State, it is worthy of note that, although the author of this portion does not identify himself, analysts generally consider it be to a king – David – and one considered a Statesman. Hence, every thoughtful person must conclude that the Bible is our Creator’s instruction manual for every area of life, including affairs of State. Hence, let us each make the same commitment as this one whom we must admire:

I am resolved to obey Your statutes to the very end (Psalm 119:112).

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE STATESMAN

Do I understand the Bible as the instruction manual of God, the Designer and Creator, to mankind?

Do I understand myself as a human implementer on behalf of an unseen God in caring for His creation?

Am I willing to study His instruction manual to apply His instructions in my responsibilities?

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La première chose que chacun de nous fait lorsque nous recevons un nouvel équipement est d’étudier le manuel d’instructions. La raison pour laquelle nous faisons cela est d’apprendre du concepteur comment cet équipement était censé fonctionner et comment nous pouvons au mieux atteindre les résultats prévus par le concepteur. Il en est de même pour nos nations. Nous ne sommes pas les concepteurs, mais nous sommes plutôt entrés en scène longtemps après leur création et sommes responsables de remplir notre responsabilité dans la réalisation de l’intention du concepteur. Nous ne pouvons même pas considérer la Constitution et l’intention originale des fondateurs de notre nation comme nos guides. En réalité, la conception a été imposée par notre Créateur – Dieu Tout-Puissant. Notre première étape consiste à gagner la confiance que notre Créateur nous a donné un manuel d’instructions sous la forme de la Bible. Ensuite, nous devrons étudier ce manuel d’instructions avec l’intention d’appliquer ce que nous apprenons.

Commençons par cette première étape – comprendre la Bible comme le manuel d’instructions de Dieu. Il y a un chapitre dans la Bible (sur ses plus de 1 000 chapitres) qui se démarque. Il s’agit du Psaume 119, qui peut être étudié en détail via le lien : https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119&version=SG21. Ce chapitre est mieux considéré comme l’introduction de Dieu à Son manuel d’instructions. Dans ce chapitre, il est souligné que la Bible est les instructions de Dieu 25 fois, Ses commandements 23 fois, Ses décrets 23 fois, Ses préceptes 21 fois, Ses statuts 22 fois. Littéralement, c’est une mine d’or d’informations sur le manuel d’instructions de notre créateur. Il est pertinent qu’un tel chapitre mettant l’accent sur la Bible en tant que manuel d’instructions de Dieu soit le plus long de la Bible. Apparemment, notre Créateur a l’intention d’en faire un chapitre extrêmement important de la Bible alors qu’Il cherche à nous aider à comprendre que la Bible est Son manuel d’instructions. Voyons brièvement quelques exemples dans les premiers versets de ce riche chapitre.

Qu’ils sont heureux ceux qui vivent selon les instructions de l’Éternel ! Heureux ceux qui gardent ses décrets et le cherchent de tout leur cœur (vv. 1-2).

Voici une motivation simple pour comprendre la nécessité d’étudier ce manuel. C’est l’attente claire que ceux d’entre nous qui opèrent au sein de sa création « garderont ses décrets et le chercheront de tout leur cœur ».

SEIGNEUR, … enseigne-moi tes statuts. … Je me réjouis de la voie révélée par Tes décrets autant que de toutes les richesses (vv. 12-14).

Cela rend clair l’attitude du cœur nécessaire à l’approche de ce manuel d’instructions. Nous devrions chérir les instructions de Dieu comme notre plus grande richesse. Nous devrions considérer ce manuel d’instructions comme notre bien le plus précieux !

Ouvre mes yeux afin que je puisse contempler les choses merveilleuses de tes instructions. je suis un étranger sur terre; ne me cache pas tes commandements (vv. 18-19).

Cela reconnaît que nous n’avons pas en nous la sagesse nécessaire pour opérer au sein de la création de notre Seigneur et que nous avons besoin de conseils qui ne peuvent venir que de Dieu. Je ne crois pas que quiconque responsable des affaires de l’État puisse se sentir en sécurité dans sa propre sagesse. Par conséquent, cela soutient que ce chapitre et le manuel auquel il se réfère – la Bible – sont essentiels pour celui qui souhaite être un homme d’État.

Tu reprends [ceux] qui s’écartent de Tes commandements (v. 21).

Cela exprime une reconnaissance claire de la nécessité de respecter les directives de ce manuel. Il avertit également que notre Créateur se soucie tellement que nous fonctionnions dans les directives prévues qu’il nous corrigera lorsque nous serons tentés d’opérer en dehors de ces directives. Cela montre également clairement que Dieu aime sa création et se soucie tellement de son bien-être qu’il nous corrigera si nous n’adhérons pas à ses instructions. Nous devons considérer la Bible comme le livre d’instructions de notre Père à ses enfants qu’il aime beaucoup. Cela nous alerte également des dommages que nos erreurs infligeront à ceux dont nous avons l’intendance.

Tes décrets sont mes délices et mes conseillers (v. 24).

Cela parle de la joie intérieure qui résulte lorsque nous nous engageons à mettre en œuvre les instructions de notre Seigneur. Cela concerne la qualité de vie que notre Seigneur veut pour nos vies et les moyens d’en faire l’expérience – l’obéissance à ses instructions. Cela implique également qu’il prend soin de nous lorsque nous nous permettons d’opérer comme ses instruments.

Donne-moi la vie par ta parole (v. 25).

Cela continue de mettre l’accent sur la qualité de vie que Dieu souhaite lorsque nous fonctionnons selon ses directives. La vie qui est décrite est une vie de joie et de satisfaction, pas de corvée ou de regret.

Enseigne-moi tes statuts (v. 26).

Aide-moi à comprendre le sens de Tes préceptes (v. 27).

Ceci est un appel à Dieu pour nous aider à comprendre ses instructions. Cela rend la reconnaissance étonnante que non seulement Dieu nous révèle Ses instructions, mais Il nous aide volontiers à les comprendre.

Garde-moi du chemin de la tromperie et donne-moi gracieusement tes instructions. J’ai choisi la voie de la vérité ; J’ai placé tes ordonnances devant moi. Je m’accroche à Tes décrets ; … Je poursuis la voie de Tes commandements, car Tu élargis mon entendement (vv. 29-32).

Cela reconnaît la nécessité des instructions de Dieu et l’engagement à comprendre et à obéir. Il fait appel à Dieu pour son aide dans le respect des instructions. Il reconnaît en outre qu’il y a des voix trompeuses qui nous tentent de douter de la véracité des instructions de Dieu, que nous devons reconnaître et ne pas céder.

Écoutez l’attitude du cœur qui suit :

Enseigne-moi, Éternel, le sens de tes statuts, et je les garderai toujours. Aide-moi à comprendre tes instructions, et je les obéirai et les suivrai de tout mon cœur. Aide-moi à rester sur le chemin de Tes commandements, car j’y prends plaisir. Tourne mon cœur vers tes décrets et non vers le gain matériel. Détourne mes yeux de regarder ce qui ne vaut rien ; donne-moi la vie dans tes voies. Confirme ce que tu as dit à ton serviteur, car cela produit du respect pour toi (vv. 33-38).

Cela exprime le désir du cœur de comprendre et un engagement à obéir une fois que je comprends. Cela rend clair le principe selon lequel Dieu se fait connaître à ceux qui s’engagent à obéir à cette révélation.

APPLICATION À L’HOMME D’ÉTAT. Est-ce que je comprends la Bible comme le manuel d’instructions de Dieu, le Concepteur et Créateur, pour l’humanité ? Est-ce que je me comprends comme un exécutant humain au nom d’un Dieu invisible en prenant soin de sa création ? Suis-je prêt à étudier son manuel d’instructions pour appliquer ses instructions dans mes responsabilités ?

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I believe everyone is familiar with the encounter that David had with Goliath. David was a teenager. Goliath was a 9’9” tall, seasoned, powerful warrior. Everyone knows that David fearlessly felled this giant with a pebble employing a slingshot, perhaps the crudest of all instruments. However, I am convinced that there is more to the story. When David asked to be the one to fight the giant, he repeatedly referred to “the living God”. It is worth considering what David meant by his expression “the living God”. And I am convinced that it is this perspective that is the key to his miraculous success – one that we can appropriate for our own life and service.

The phrase “the living God” is a powerful expression. The addition of the word “living” implies active and involved. From this, we recognize that David viewed God as intimately involved in the lives of His children – involved in every aspect of our lives. We may interpret that David viewed God as hearing and responding, and with compassion and power in response to his needs. God demonstrated that David’s understanding and trust were not misplaced. There is no way we can explain in human terms what David accomplished during that encounter with Goliath.

We learn more about “the living God” and His interaction with fallen man as we watch David’s ensuing life unfold. David is an anomaly to us because when he was King, he allowed his view of God to lapse when he sinned with Bathsheba. And he paid dearly for that lapse. He was disciplined severely by his Lord for his disobedience, reminding him again that our Lord is “the living God”.

Even as David responded to God as he was confronted with his sin through God’s prophet, we see his view of our Master as the “living God”:

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me…So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge…Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to me (Psalm 51:1-2,5-12).

When David pleaded with God “Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me”, he recognized that he could not take God’s presence on his behalf for granted. He understood the need for God’s forgiveness and the fact that he could not automatically expect this as a part of His being “the living God” – and certainly not as a result of our Lord being an object of worship. When David pleaded “God, create in me a clean heart”, the word he chose for “create” means not to improve something blemished or imperfect but rather to “create out of nothing”, recognizing that God would have to produce something for which there was not the raw material or a starting point within David’s life. There is nothing David could provide out of which God could create a clean heart. This would have to be a work of God alone.

Possibly, Psalm 23 is one of the tenderest songs that David wrote to God, written years after David’s sin with Bathsheba. In it, David expressed “He restores my soul” (23:3). Again, we see the view of “the living God”.

Listen to David’s heart expressed years after sinning with Bathsheba:

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD; for He laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers…. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:1-2,8-10)

Here, we see David expressing an intimate friendship, one that would reflect that God is “the living God”. Listen to the words of David later in his life:

A man’s steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD holds his hand. I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread. He is always generous, always lending, and his children are a blessing. (Psalms 37:23-26)

These are the words of a man who experienced his Lord as “the living God” throughout a lifetime. We learn a lot from David’s life about this One who is “the living God”. He is intimately involved in our lives. He responds to our obedience to Him, and He disciplines us when we disobey Him. As “the living God”, He does not leave us to guess what He wants us to do. He makes it very clear as we call upon Him. In response, He promises to hold our hand. What more can a Statesman wish for?

David is considered to have been a good King, by God and man. He is representative of human beings with an imperfect nature desiring to do good for those he was called to serve. I propose for your consideration that his view of our Creator as “the living God” played a key part in his life and service. My challenge is for you to get to know God as David did and to have Him as your “living”, active partner throughout your life, guiding you and holding your hand.

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