“Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is; then walk in it,
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’”
Jeremiah 16:6 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Path means “a trodden way; a way of life, conduct, or thought.” [i] We are reminded in this passage to carefully consider which path to choose. Will we choose God’s way or our own?
Jeremiah reminds us to stand, remain steadfast in our faith in Christ, and look to the Word of God for direction. We should not trust our own wisdom to guide us through life. When we seek God’s counsel by reading the Bible and talking with others who are on the same path, it’s easier to follow God’s gracious path. As we stay on the “good way,” we find rest, both in the present and for eternity.
A Touch of Grace:
1. What directs the path of your choices and thoughts?
2. Where is Jesus on the path you’re currently walking?
Grace Application:
Jeremiah, the prophet God used to pen this passage, had the difficult task of reminding the people of Judah to turn “where the good way is: then walk in it.” The majority of the people he addressed lived as though they were at peace when in reality, they were about to be attacked by the King of Babylon. The people in Judah proclaimed faith in God, yet they openly worshipped idols. They heard what they wanted to hear, rejecting the wisdom of God. They trusted feelings and what seemed reasonable at the moment instead of remembering the ancient truths given by God through their forefathers.
When life becomes chaotic, I need to stop and ask, “Am I following God’s path or my own?” and I need to be brutally honest with myself. Am I allowing the idol’s self-reliance, comfort, and pride to guide my decisions, or am I leaning on godly wisdom for direction? A good test question is, “Am I trusting Christ, or myself?” and “Am I trying to forge my own path, or am I looking to follow the ancient path clearly paved by Christ?
The ancient path leads to salvation in Christ Jesus, trusting that His death on the cross delivered me (and all who trust in Him) from the penalty of sin. When we place our faith, our trust, in what He did, “…there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. (Romans 8:1 AMP)
Though the path we travel on (including our thoughts) will have thorns that prick us, obstacles that cause us to stumble, and is darkened by suffering, once we receive the grace of salvation in Christ Jesus, nothing can separate us from Him. So as we walk (think) along the good way, the Lord leads us, have His word to lean on like a strong walking stick. It will support us when we are weary and help us battle the enemies that cause us fear.
Jesus calls us to follow Him along the ancient path, asking us to “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV)
Let’s travel together down the ancient path that brings peace with Christ. Let’s not be like the people of Judah who chose to walk away from God. Instead, let’s join our hearts to Him along the gracious path, resting in the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for the path You have clearly marked in Scripture. I ask that You will “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:24 ESV) Holy Spirit, lead me in truth and don’t let me wander far from the path of righteousness as I lean on the Word of God to guide me closer to You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/path