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.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
Last weekend I was privileged to meet with some pastoral leaders and wives at the Bonita Park Campground in Ruidoso, NM. As the pastoral overseer for the New Mexico and El Paso area, they had asked me to share something, informally, from my heart. As I gave it some thought this is the verse that kept coming back to me again and again. Sometimes, as a pastor, I tend to think in three point outline steps. This was one of those times.
This verse begs the question: What is it about the "ancient paths" that make them good, worthy and wise to follow? Obviously, it isn't just the fact that they are old. Here is what came to me in just a few minutes last week.
1. They are TIMELESS. Age and cultural change does nothing to the "ancient paths" to make them outdated or obsolete.
2. They are TESTED. The "ancient paths" of life are still around because they have been tested countless times in every kind of situation and circumstance and have proven to lead to what is good.
3. They are TRUE. The reason the "ancient paths" are timeless and the fact that they have withstood all testing is because they are grounded in truth. In John 18, Jesus said that the reason he came into the world was to testify to the truth. This is foundational for life to be good and meaningful. It must be grounded in absolute truth.
Have the "ancient paths" been valuable in weaving the tapestry of your life? How so?
3 comments:
Mark, I like this very much. I speaks volumes. I enjoyed reading you blog. When we get together I would like to see more of your trips.
Bonnie is to eat with Jennifer and me tomorrow night when she comes through on her way to St. Louis. Sarah is on a shopping trip to St. Louis with her friend from Moberly. They do this each year about this time.
Charles
Thanks for the comments, Charles. I look forward to the next time we have the opportunity to sit and talk awhile. I miss that. Be blessed!
Mark, this speaks to me all the way into 2010 when I read it, but the same scripture and thoughts behind it came to me in August of '08. Praise the Lord ... thank you for the message as a confirmation!
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