By Ron Thomas
There are some
sayings in Jeremiah that are better known than others. One we mention today
will be one of those sayings. In Jeremiah 6:16 we read,
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KJV: Thus, saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways,
and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein,
and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein.
·
NET: The LORD said to his people: "You are
standing at the crossroads. So, consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable
paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you
do, you will find rest for your souls." But they said, "We will not
follow it!"
·
Brenton: Thus, saith the Lord, Stand ye in the
ways, and see, and ask for the old paths of the Lord; and see what is the good
way, and walk in it, and ye shall find purification for your souls. But they
said, We will not walk in them (English translation of the Septuagint, or Greek
Old Testament).
Context: Jeremiah was the Lord’s prophet who had placed on
him a burden so heavy that it’s a wonder he held up under it, and he only did
so because of his loyalty to the Lord. His burden was “simply” to preach the
Lord’s word to a people who did not want to hear it, as can be seen/read at the
end of this verse. The Lord called on His prophet to go where the people were
and say to them what they did not want to hear. Knowing this, Jeremiah heard
the Lord’s will, and he went. He went to a stubborn people, and he called on
them to seek the “old paths.” What are the “old paths” that Jeremiah spoke of?
This is a reference to the same thing Isaiah said when he preached to stubborn
people. “To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this
word, surely there is no morning for them” (8:20, ASV).
The Lord appealed
to them to hear His word and be saved from the coming destruction. Sadly, they
chose a different path.
There is an application for us in this:
Some Christians seek to be more like the religious world around, just like they
were in Jeremiah’s day. Those loyal to the Lord, however, will not tread upon a
path that has a destination full of uncertainty. To seek the old paths is to
stay with the Lord. Don’t go to the right and see how exclusive you (we) can
be, and don’t go to the left and see how inclusive you (we) can be. The
religious world will do what they can to dictate to you (us) what should be,
but only the Lord has authority in these matters. There are many solid folks in
this world who genuinely want to follow the Lord’s will, and they try to the
best of their ability; be there to help and encourage them but stay with the
old paths as you do. As the passage says, those who do will find rest for their
souls.
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