Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet for his messages concerning bad news for Israel. Unfortunately, most of the words Jeremiah received from the Lord were negative. In Jeremiah 6:16, the Lord gave him a message about standing at the crossroads of life. God’s advice is to follow the ancient paths, ways modeled by Judah’s godly ancestors.
This is one passage I can relate to in my current situation. Nearly 20 years ago I created a vision statement, a page of aspirations, dreams and goals I wanted to accomplish in life. Since this day, during my youth ministry trade school, I have been able to accomplish all but one, run a Bed and Breakfast at the beach. With my children still in school, I don’t feel led to go down this path until they graduate from college. Therefore, as of now, I am in a holding pattern, standing at a crossroad in my life.
Jesus quotes Jeremiah 6:16 in Matthew 11:29. Jesus had just rebuked people who lived in unrepentant cities, like the people of Judah during the days of Jeremiah. Beginning in verse 25, Jesus makes a transition from exhorting to deliverance. God hates when we are lost, but doesn’t force us to make decisions when standing at a fork in the road. God has given us free will to either follow the ancient path or make our own. However, Jesus desperately yearns for us to be released from our burdens, finding rest for our souls.
According to Jeremiah 6:17, when we are at a moment of indecision, we must listen to watchmen, modern day prophets. If we hear a sounding trumpet, we must be prepared for approaching danger. As the Galatians fought against the false teaching of the Judiazers, Christians must adhere to the same advice Paul gave them in Galatians 5:25. When you reach an unfamiliar intersection in life, live by the Spirit, listen to the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. In doing this, you can walk by faith down the new path God has chosen for your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 