Devotional - August 17, 2022
Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Last Sunday, we read a Scripture in Jeremiah (23:23-29 ). We heard him plead with the Israelites to return to their God. The God of truth, the God who was with them wherever they went. But, they resisted. They felt like they had found a better way to live and commune with God. One that was better to their liking. And when I say, their liking, I mean exclusively on their terms. Have you ever wondered if you could have a discussion with God? Or, could you even argue with God? You may have tried. Why not, you see it all the time in the Bible. But when you do it, you never hear any response from God, at least not audibly. The clouds did not part, there was no booming voice from heaven, or even a whisper in the trees. All you heard was silence. It's disheartening, especially when you are dealing with a serious issue. But what if God never intended to answer your question in a few sentences. Or, maybe the answer was a little more complicated than yes, no, or wait? Read again how Jeremiah depicts interacting with God. He says, stand, look and ask. God calls for us to open up and take it all in. How did we get here? Where do the roads lead from here? And my favorite, ask for the ancient paths. The Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy) is what he is referring to as the ancient paths. I like that the Torah is depicted as paths and crossroads. A journey. When you read the Torah, there are plenty of do's and don'ts, but the commentary, the stories that go with them expound upon the wisdom found therein. The many paths that are taken and where they go. But, along with those paths, there also are your paths. Your life is supposed to be caught up in what you read. Your experiences when you followed or veered off on your own. Like in the Torah, you found that there were consequences to your actions, but also, you found God's grace. But, the process doesn't end there. The process continues, it says to ask, where is the good way? Do you notice the tempo of this text? It is not rushed, but instead it is paced, contemplative, and thoughtful. God is calling us to ponder and question God about the issues in life (Ps 1: 1-2). We are to seek resolution in the Scriptures and think about the outcomes, where the roads led. Not every question has a direct answer in the Scriptures. But, the Scriptures give us guidance concerning how to resolve our issues. God asks us to meditate, utilizing all that God has provided, when seeking the good way (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19). Israel took that to mean good for them, not worrying if it was good for God. In fact, they go a step further and bluntly tell God they will not walk in it. We would never do such a thing, would we? We never utilize what Bonhoffer called cheap grace. God will understand and forgive me later. When they consider living a Godly life, they imagine something they saw on TV or heard someone say. Or worse yet, they think of someone who claimed to be a Christian. Yes, your walk will parallel others because you are walking in the way of Jesus Christ, but what that looks like is yours and it plays out over the course of your lifetime. Like Israel, there will be times of abiding and times of dissension, but trust God through it all. Keep watch for another trick we sometimes play. That is, using the Bible to do wrong. Yes, the Bible can be used to do wrong. We can use it as an excuse for not doing some things, but other things we do. Trust me, people see it. And when they do, they know what they are seeing. Amazingly, the reason why people play these games is because they are trying to make for themselves a better life. In our text, the LORD says, they will find that very thing by walking in a good way. At some point in the process, I think we learn it is better to fend off temptation, than fend off God. Especially, when we know where temptation leads ...from experience. Unfortunately, Israel has yet to comprehend what God is trying to teach them. They go, once again, into exile and captivity. Getting on the right road, the good way, is not a clear cut path. There is plenty of trial and error. It is a learning process consisting of a lot of seeking, and finding, and navigating along the way. Never give up. God's grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor 12:9). For some of us, the road back from the pigpen (Luke 15: 11-32) is so well worn that even the pigs see us and say, "you ...again?!" But praise God, God is so faithful and each time we come back a little wiser. People of God, listen to what the LORD says, "stand at the crossroads and look..."
Pray with me..., LORD God, at times it is hard to feel or know of Your presence in our lives. And sometimes, we know it and we walk away. Help us to slow down, to not fret, and take each step, each road, one by one. Bless our loved ones and family we pray. Bless them according to their needs. And bless our church, so we can be the people you call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
