"Thus says the Lord, '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.'
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Jeremiah 6:16
These days, it seems that humanity is moving at nearly the speed of light. There are technological advances announced just about every day. New developments in medicine, health, electronics, communication, transportation, business and education boggle the mind compared to what was available just 10-15 years ago. As a result, there is an increasing appetite for the newest and latest thing when it comes to just about everything we need and desire. Those who are first to the market with their offerings typically are greatly rewarded, which in turn speeds the cycle even faster.
This can cause the older among us to say "Whoa. Slow down." We become nostalgic for the simpler times and ways of yesteryear and wonder if the world has forgotten about the things that are really important like loving God, loving your neighbor, taking care of one another, hard work and being kind. We wonder what happened to morality, common sense and just trying to be the best people we can be.
Beloved, these are not new musings. In 626 BC, the prophet Jeremiah was called into service by God. He was charged with preaching and prophesying to the people of God regarding the dark future they were bringing upon themselves. It seems that the God's own were not satisfied with the tried, true and righteous, but instead ran to new and different "gods" and the pagan and idolatrous behaviors that accompanied their worship. These things were preferred by those who should have known better. For as many warnings that were delivered by many prophets, the people were more interested in the latest than they were in what was right and who had fed, freed and sustained them in the midst of all of their enemies.
As we look around today, we might see the same things that Jeremiah saw and lamented. Like Israel, we are being warned. Like Israel, we have a choice. Like Israel, God loves us and desires the ultimate good for us. There is nothing wrong with technology, new methods and new thinking, but we must use these things for good and continue to adhere to the same message. We must not allow ourselves to be carried off by pursuit of the new, bright and shiny things that only appear to be Light but lead ultimately to destruction. Instead, let us follow the ancient path. We know exactly where and to whom it leads.
One,
Lee
Showing posts with label Jer 6:16. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jer 6:16. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2014
Friday, May 24, 2013
The Good Old Ways
“Thus says the Lord, '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.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Jer 6:16
God was angry with His people, in this case, the people of Judah in particular. Despite all of the many times that God had come to their aid after they got themselves in trouble through disobedience, they turned to idolatry time and time again. He sent His servant Jeremiah to give them one last warning that harsh punishment for their rebellion was imminent. It is important to know that this warning was not to the peoples of the earth at large but to the people that God called His own.
Today we are exasperated when we look at the condition of the world. We are constantly faced with the effects of corruption, immorality, strife, hatred and godlessness. And while this can be seen throughout the world, what can be seen among the people of God? Unfortunately, all of the above can be found inside the church as well. While it is important to understand the source of illness in the body; however, the priority is always to seek first the cure.
Beloved, we tend to pursue new ways, new understanding and new interpretations of what God has always told us, but not all that is new, shiny and technological is good. The word of God and the instructions it contains for how we must live our lives is ancient. And of His surpassing existence and nature we must understand that, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 (NIV). When we stray from God's way, we leave the path He has lit and laid out for us from the beginning, and stumble into darkness. This most tragically takes place among those God calls His own and we are utterly without excuse.
The cure for this malady is simple: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matt 7:13-14. Let us emulate David who said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances" Psa 119:105-106. The word of God is the true way and the true path. Let us be sure to follow it.
Committed,
Lee
God was angry with His people, in this case, the people of Judah in particular. Despite all of the many times that God had come to their aid after they got themselves in trouble through disobedience, they turned to idolatry time and time again. He sent His servant Jeremiah to give them one last warning that harsh punishment for their rebellion was imminent. It is important to know that this warning was not to the peoples of the earth at large but to the people that God called His own.
Today we are exasperated when we look at the condition of the world. We are constantly faced with the effects of corruption, immorality, strife, hatred and godlessness. And while this can be seen throughout the world, what can be seen among the people of God? Unfortunately, all of the above can be found inside the church as well. While it is important to understand the source of illness in the body; however, the priority is always to seek first the cure.
Beloved, we tend to pursue new ways, new understanding and new interpretations of what God has always told us, but not all that is new, shiny and technological is good. The word of God and the instructions it contains for how we must live our lives is ancient. And of His surpassing existence and nature we must understand that, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 (NIV). When we stray from God's way, we leave the path He has lit and laid out for us from the beginning, and stumble into darkness. This most tragically takes place among those God calls His own and we are utterly without excuse.
The cure for this malady is simple: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it" Matt 7:13-14. Let us emulate David who said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances" Psa 119:105-106. The word of God is the true way and the true path. Let us be sure to follow it.
Committed,
Lee
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Seeking the Old Path-6/28/2012
"Thus says the Lord, '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.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" Jeremiah 6:16
There is an old saying among preachers and biblical teachers that states, "If it's new it ain't true and if it's true it ain't new." Perhaps they are borrowing from the writer of Ecclesiastes when he said, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, 'Look! This is something new?' It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time" Eccl 1:9-10.
As a society, we are obsessed with the newest, latest, greatest thing from news and information to technology to gadgetry. Who among us does not have or want the latest cell phone for example? More relevantly, people are constantly developing new philosophies of God (or god figures), religion and worship. Should you ever have the time or interest, look up "religions" like Creativity Movement, Nation of Yahweh, Church of All Worlds, Universe People and the more well known Church of Scientology. Though these organizations are easily dismissed (despite the growing number of adherents to some), far more dangerous changes are being made in churches all over the world today. One example of this is in 2003, the Episcopalian Church of the United States of America became the first mainstream religious organization to consecrate an openly gay non celebate bishop (see Rom 1:26-28 and 1 Cor 6:9-10).
Beloved, the word of God and all that it teaches is tested, tried and true. We serve the Ancient of Days who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our God is not fad driven nor subject to the whims of fickle humanity. It is we that must conform ourselves to Him and not the other way around. While I will agree that their are new approaches to delivering the message (we now have print, microphones, air conditioned houses of worship, television, radio and the internet), the message does not change. Let us seek the old and good path and walk in it.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
There is an old saying among preachers and biblical teachers that states, "If it's new it ain't true and if it's true it ain't new." Perhaps they are borrowing from the writer of Ecclesiastes when he said, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, 'Look! This is something new?' It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time" Eccl 1:9-10.
As a society, we are obsessed with the newest, latest, greatest thing from news and information to technology to gadgetry. Who among us does not have or want the latest cell phone for example? More relevantly, people are constantly developing new philosophies of God (or god figures), religion and worship. Should you ever have the time or interest, look up "religions" like Creativity Movement, Nation of Yahweh, Church of All Worlds, Universe People and the more well known Church of Scientology. Though these organizations are easily dismissed (despite the growing number of adherents to some), far more dangerous changes are being made in churches all over the world today. One example of this is in 2003, the Episcopalian Church of the United States of America became the first mainstream religious organization to consecrate an openly gay non celebate bishop (see Rom 1:26-28 and 1 Cor 6:9-10).
Beloved, the word of God and all that it teaches is tested, tried and true. We serve the Ancient of Days who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our God is not fad driven nor subject to the whims of fickle humanity. It is we that must conform ourselves to Him and not the other way around. While I will agree that their are new approaches to delivering the message (we now have print, microphones, air conditioned houses of worship, television, radio and the internet), the message does not change. Let us seek the old and good path and walk in it.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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