Choosing Destiny (The Ancient Paths) Text: Jeremiah 6:16
NAS 16Thus says the LORD,” Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, (Old paths) Where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ’We will not walk in it.’
Ask for the old paths set forth by the written word of God. When you have found the good way, go on in it, you will find abundant recompense (pay or reward) at your journey’s end. But if men will not obey the voice of God and flee to his appointed Refuge, it will plainly appear at the Day of Judgment, that they are ruined because they reject God’s word. It’s important to note because we live in an microwave (Instant) world, not only will there be eternal sorrow, but as an individual leaves the old (ancient) paths there will be no rest for their souls!
As we begin to look at this verse of scripture it’s important to understand some Hebrew meaning. What does the Lord mean by “the ancient paths?”
The word “ancient” comes from a Hebrew word “OLAM” meaning: Old, concealed, hidden, perpetual, eternal, timeless, from eternity.
Listen to that last meaning once more. Eternity. We have to remember that everything on the earth is patterned after things in heaven!
God’s ways are timeless. So what are God’s ways? Most of us couldn’t recognize “these ways” therefore we can’t return to them!
God instructs Jeremiah the prophet to see and ask for the “ancient paths” again. God say’s, “this is a good way.” Good in Hebrew “TOV” meaning: pleasant, agreeable, happy, well-off, prosperous, great, excellent, cheerful, merry and distinguished! Such characteristics are the results of walking in the ancient paths of God!
If life is a constant struggle and continual torment on the “inside” this person isn’t walking in the “ancient paths.”
When our lives are in line with Christ there ought to be a lot of walking hand n hand! (There ought to be a lot of agreement with God!)
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
When we decide that we don’t have to think, behave or do things “God’s way” any more we systematically begin to eliminate God’s good path for our lives and o course this behavior goes into other generations!
Listen to this whole verse in text. Jeremiah 6:13-16 For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely.14"They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ’Peace, peace, ’But there is no peace. 15"Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down," says the LORD.16Thus says the LORD,” Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ’We will not walk in it.’
Think about vs.13 When crucial needs go unmet people are bound to operate in greed and deceit! (You have a need for God!)
Vs.14 when the “ancient paths” are left men will naturally listen to anything calling for “Peace, peace!” People will look for one order of McHealing, two McDeliverances, three McSalvations and one McSermon please!
Young and old look for Short-term fixes that always lead to long-term Destruction! Sex, drugs, Alcohol, Stealing, cheating! Etc.
Vs. 15 Jeremiah say’s that when men do this, they don’t even know how to blush! Testimony: Two weeks ago I was passed and cut off by a man in a fast moving truck suddenly, after he passed me he raised his finger up to me and give me the sign to go to hell! (No blush, no problem!)
That’s why we go back to the text, Jeremiah 6: 16 Thus says the LORD,” Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ’We will not walk in it.’
Look at Jeremiah 18:12-15 But they will say, ’It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’13"Therefore thus says the Lord, ask now among the nations, Who ever heard the like of this? The virgin of Israel Has done a most appalling thing.14’Does the snow of Lebanon forsake the rock of the open country? Or is the cold flowing water from a foreign land ever snatched away? 15’for My people have forgotten Me, They burn incense to worthless gods and they have stumbled from their ways, from the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths, Not on a highway,”
The prophet is telling us when don’t walk in ‘His’ path we are walking in “bypaths” however, if we walk in His ways we are walking in God’s “ancient paths” which is like a super expressway! (We will be blessed!)
Daniel 11:32 say’s, “the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits.”
Right now Jesus even calls us in Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
Sources: “The Ancient Paths” by ‘Craig Hill.’
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