Stand at the crossroads and look
Jeremiah 6:16 - It’s up to each of us to make the decision on whether to take His direction or to keep heading down a path that will almost certainly end in misery.
“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.’”
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Today’s random verse from the prophet Jeremiah was a message provided by God to the people of Jerusalem as the ancient city just before it fell under siege by the Babylonians. They are at a crossroads in their history — they can either follow the ancient wisdom that has been passed down through the Law since the time of Moses and find salvation, or continue their present path and find only destruction and enslavement.
Let’s say you have chosen a path through an area you’ve never traveled before, and you come upon an insurmountable obstacle; a cliff, a raging river, or a jagged jumble of rocks. You’ll probably stop and take a long look at that obstacle, perhaps trying to figure out a way through it that might be safe. Or you could do the smart thing: wait until someone else comes along, and ask their advice — where are the “ancient paths”, “the good way”, and how can I safely proceed?
That’s what God is saying through Jeremiah at this point. Look at the situation you’ve gotten yourself into, then look to the wisdom of the ages — God’s Word — for an answer. Walk in His path of righteousness, and you’ll find that “rest for your souls” that you seek.
Of course, that’s precisely what the people of Judah decided not to do. There are a lot of reasons that people (not just those Jeremiah was writing about) choose not to reconcile with God, repent of their sins, fear the Lord and love Him. Perhaps the good way seems too old-fashioned, or maybe all of your peers are telling you that the good way is actually a trap.
You’ll have to work so hard, read a bunch of boring scripture, watch what you say and do, not have any fun, and hang around a bunch of other not-very-cool people. Nahhh, it’s just easier to try stumbling over that cliff, or crossing that river, or traversing the rockfall… maybe you’ll make it to the other side.
God’s reward is stated very simply to the people. I love this commentary by 19th century Adam Clarke, who said of this verse:
“Let us observe the metaphor. A traveller is going to a particular city; he comes to a place where the road divides into several paths, he is afraid of going astray; he stops short, endeavours to find out the right path: he cannot fix his choice. At last he sees another traveller; he inquires of him, gets proper directions-proceeds on his journey-arrives at the desired place-and reposes after his fatigue.”1
But instead, Judah chose to continue rebelling against God. They had broken the covenant with Him, worshipped Baal, and even burned their children as offerings to this false god. The result was the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of Solomon’s Temple, and the captivity of the people in Babylonia.
The lesson for today’s reader is straightforward. In uncertain times, God invites you to study the wisdom of Scripture to find the route of the good way, and walk on that route to a reward of rest for your soul. It’s up to each of us to make the decision on whether to take His direction or to keep heading down a path that will almost certainly end in misery.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Today’s prayer for Jeremiah 6:16 comes from Knowing Jesus:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jeremiah who was obedient to his calling despite the immense opposition he received from his fellow-countrymen. I pray that I may be faithful to my calling, and walk in the way of peace and righteousness for Your name's sake, even when I am opposed by family or friends. Keep me low at the Cross and broken before You. May I walk in spirit and truth towards the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, dying to self and living for Christ alone for Your greater praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.
Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 4 (Isaiah-Malachi) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1827)