The Proclaimer

The Old Paths

“Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16).

In an effort to help us recognize that we have certain choices to make as we travel through life, the prophet of God presents the figure of a traveler who finds himself where a number of roads lead in different directions.  We must choose which road to take, our choice determining our eternal destination.  There are many wrong roads that may be taken, but there is only one right way.

The prophet says to “stand,” “see,” and “ask.”  This instruction implies that there is danger ahead and we must beware, for it can only be avoided by making the right decision.  It reminds me of instruction given to me about crossing the street or a railroad track when I was a child.  There are considerations to be made before we make our decision.  We need to be aware of the impending dangers and maintain an objective alertness in making our decision.  To ignore the warning signs is to make an uninformed decision. 

The prophet says we are to seek “the old paths, where is the good way.”  There is much deception in the world.  The philosophies of men can be alluring and can even be taken as the right road.  These human philosophies can even disguise themselves in the garb of religion, which makes them even more deceptive.  Paul says, “And no marvel: for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.  It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Cor. 11:14, 15).

There are many that have been deceived into believing they are following the right road when in fact the course they are following will only lead to destruction.  The wrong road does not become the right road just because you want it to or you think it is.  Neither will pretending help.  Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:22, 23).  We must seek the “old paths” which is the good way, the right way, the best way, the only way – God’s way!

Once we have found the right road to be taken we must then decide, “to walk therein.”  Often knowing the right way is not really the problem, but having the courage to take it.  No one can make the decision to do right for us.  We must make that decision for ourselves.  But know this.  If you choose to take “the old paths . . . and walk therein, ye shall find rest for your souls.”  Certainly and ultimately heaven is eternal rest for our souls.  But more than this, we will have the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) even now.  God blesses those who chose the “old paths.”

We must realize that living life meaningfully comes with seeking God.  Unfortunately, not everyone chooses “the old paths.”  The Israelites said, “We will not walk therein.”  This decision brought destruction to the kingdom of Israel.  Destruction will come upon all who refuse to obey God.  May God help us to choose “the old paths.”

                                                                                                   -- Clark Dugger

The Proclaimer