READ: Jer. 6:10-21: … Thus says the LORD: Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the paths, where the good way is; and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.
It’s the last day of the year, a time for reflection. Did we follow the right path? Jeremiah lives centuries after Joshua. As a prophet, he receives little attention from God’s people. They want to enjoy what the world has to offer, and serving God has become secondary.
The indictment in Chapter 5 is severe: is there anyone left who does what is right? King Josiah had recently instituted a reformation and read from the book of Deuteronomy in which he expressed his desire to receive the LORD’s blessing (2 Kings 22). However, the people’s hearts were not reformed.
Chapter 5 ends with God’s threat: “Shall I not punish them for these things? Says the LORD. Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” Most priests and prophets proclaim “peace, peace” (v.14). But, Jeremiah says, there is no peace. Is there still a chance for a change?
Jeremiah calls the people to reflect on their ways, speaking on behalf of the LORD: They must choose the right path from now on. The right path is the “ancient” path, the one the LORD shows us in His Word.
It is the path that Joshua did not deviate from to the left or right. It is the good path of loving God and obeying His commandments. It’s the path where God is with you, and He shows you His mercy, care, and grace.
These are the paths that Moses pointed to: “choose life by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by holding fast to him” (Deut. 30:20). Joshua also pointed to this path when he said, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Ancient paths are narrow paths with trials and struggles, but they are also paths where God bestows prosperity, peace, and rest upon us. As Moses declared when he issued his call, “For he is your life and the length of your days.”
The blessing of the covenant offers a tremendous prospect: if God is for us, who can be against us? What can separate us from God’s love in Christ? That’s when our souls find rest, and we enter the new year with confidence.
Singing: Ps. 25:2,4 Which path will you go, or have you gone?