May 14 - Jeremiah 6:16

This is what the LORD says:

"Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is,

and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.

But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'"

Jeremiah 6:16

Yesterday, we cited Jeremiah 22:29. The prophet said, “O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord!”

I pondered, “What words should America (or any nation) be heeding today.”

More and more people sense that our nation is at a crossroad (see our verse for today). More and more people see us forsaking “the ancient paths.” Modern is “hip” and “cool” and “tolerant” and “compassionate,” but we’re “not walk[ing]” in “the good way.” (And then we wonder why there’s no “rest for [our] souls.”)

Here’s a few pieces of advice from God. (Indeed, it was God who spoke, and Jeremiah’s job was to simply relay the message) …

• 17:25 This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who trust in mortals, who depend on flesh for their strength and whose hearts turn away from the LORD." How often do we trust in governments (mortals) for our hope and provision? Where will that lead?

• 7:8 But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. What deceptive arguments and idea are floating around?

• 5:7 "Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes." America’s grandparents go to church more than their grandchildren. Why this increasing forsakenness? And what’s the cure? Here’s where the next generations are motivated – through service. How do we adjust the church to fulfill this mission?

• 10:14 Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; all goldsmiths are shamed by their idols. Their images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. What are the “senseless … idols” and false priorities that defraud us?

• 5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many. What will be the inevitable fruit of unrepentant “backslidings”? Indeed, who does scripture say is prowling about like a roaring lion?

• 1:10 "See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." As we conclude, what’s the role of the church? So why are we so timid rather than bold? 

Pray that we may, as St. Paul said, “speak the truth in love.”

Or a Jeremiah says, “1:17 Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.”