Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. (from Jeremiah 6:16)

What are these ancient and good paths where our souls will find rest? We can learn much from Jeremiah if we have ears to hear. The response of those Jews destined for annihilation or captivity was tragic. Even though a watchman with eagle vision was preaching, they said, We will not listen. We will not walk in it.” The following is a list of what they would not listen to or walk in. Would the United States fair any better in God’s assessment? Let’s look at Israel’s specific errors and consider our own nation.

  1. The word of the Lord had become a reproach to them; they had no delight in it.
  2. Everyone was greedy for gain,(profit had become their god).
  3. Leaders at all levels, especially religious ones, were guilty of false dealing.
  4. Leaders peddled a shallow peace when in fact there was none.
  5. They were not ashamed of their abominations. They had lost the capacity to even blush.
  6. As a well keeps its waters fresh, so did Israel keep her wickedness. Violence and destruction were heard in her; her sickness and wounds were ever before Jehovah.

This is how God feels about Israel: Traditional sacrifices of worship became a stench to God. “The day declines, for the shadows of the evening lengthen! There is only oppression. I am full of wrath; I am weary with holding it in.”  This is what God is going to do …

Pour this wrath out on the children in the street and on the gathering of young men together; for both husband and wife shall be taken, the aged and the very old. Their houses shall be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out My hand against the inhabitants of the land, from the least of them even to the greatest of them. I am going to lay stumbling blocks before the people.

God’s council:

 Flee for safety. Blow a trumpet. Raise a signal; for evil looks down and a great destruction awaits. Even God’s beautiful city and its temple were not spared. Be warned or I shall be alienated from you, and make you a desolation, a land not inhabited. Put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; Mourn as for an only son, a lamentation most bitter. For suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. 

Yet, to a people he is about to severely punish, he also says, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. 

The idea that God punished Israel does not shock us; they apparently deserved it, yet the idea of God punishing America is abhorrent. We might be bad, but surely not that bad! However, as I read God’s list, I was not comforted by the comparison to America. For those called to be in the world but not of it, I don’t believe flight is an option; however, sounding an alarm makes some sense. Mourning for our nation would also be good council. And, praying daily that we would individually and collectively have ears to hear would be extremely wise. Jesus’ council was quite straightforward: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Father, please intervene in the affairs of our nation. In the multiplication of political words, we have no hope. We see the shadows darkening when our nation protects evil with its own laws. By your great mercies, Lord, show us the ancient paths where the good ways are. Help us to learn how to walk those paths, that we might not only find rest for our own souls, but the righteousness, peace, and joy of your kingdom for this nation. Amen.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

If you are one who is not committed to burying their head in the sand, I recommend “Implosion” by Joel Rosenberg. He is taking an eyes-wide-open look at the ancient paths and a possible U-turn for our country.

 

 

 

 

 

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