Ask for Old Paths

Thus says the Lord:

“Stand in the ways and see,

And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,

And walk in it;

Then you will find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16)

What does it mean to ask for the old paths?

The call for the old paths is not a return to traditionalism. The Pharisees were traditionalists. Lord Jesus told them to abandon all human tradition, and (like Jeremiah before him) called them to go back to the old paths.

When one speaks of old paths, many may secretly despise it. Perhaps they seem old-fashioned or terribly un-cool. Yet there is life-saving wisdom in the old paths of God’s word and work in days gone by.

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. (Isaiah 53:6)

Many have landed in a mess by following their own paths and own ways instead of God’s ways. It's time to return to the old paths.

To benefit from the old paths, God told them to position themselves (stand in the ways)

To benefit from the old paths, God told them to look for them (see)

To benefit from the old paths, God told them to ask for them, to desire them

To benefit from the old paths, God told them to see them as the good way

To benefit from the old paths, God told them to walk in it – to actually obey and follow God as indicated by His word and work in days gone by.

Then you will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16)

This is the rich reward for seeking, seeing, and walking in the old paths. This is a reward that can’t be matched by anything.

Furthermore, as we walk in His paths, we can be assured of three great truths.

1. We can be sure that we will arrive at the proper destination! When we take the Lord's highway, we can be sure that it will end in His presence!

2. We can travel in safety, knowing that the Lord is guarding our way. Not only will we end up where we want to be, but we will get there in the safest, most peaceful manner possible.

3. We can know that while we are on the Lord's path, the deepest needs of our souls will be met! There will be fellowship with Him and joy in His presence at the end of the way!

When you are going for a picnic, it's just not the destination that’s fun; it is also the journey that makes it a good picnic. It's just not the destination that changes us; it is also the journey along with Him.

Ask for Old Paths

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