Jeremiah 6:16



This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”
To be honest, I struggle to remember the days before I used satellite navigation. However, I drove for many years before the luxury of these amazing devices, and I would often come to a crossroads and wonder which way I needed to go next. I ministered in Devon for a number of years and very frequently found myself travelling down beautiful country lanes and getting completely lost. Then I would come to a crossroads with helpful signs and have to make a decision. God spoke to his people and told them to do just that. They needed to stop and reflect on which way they needed to go next. They had the power to go whichever way they chose but he advised them to choose the old, godly way; that is to say, the way that God had shown them through Moses.
From time to time, we all face decisive moments. We can’t dither any longer. We have to decide which way we want to go. There will always be a range of options but amid the clamour we can hear the voice of Jesus saying: “Come follow me” (Luke 18:22). People have trodden this path for 2,000 years but he calls us amid the cut and thrust of 21st century life. The principles of following Jesus haven’t changed at all, and the outcome will be the same as it was for the people of Jeremiah’s day. God invited the people to travel on the old godly path, assuring them that they would find rest for their souls. And significantly, that’s exactly what Jesus promised as well. He said: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This doesn’t mean that Jesus gives us a rest. That’s different! But he promises us his peace and takes away the burden of anxiety and fear. When we are yoked to Jesus, the burden is always light.







Question: Which way will you go when you next face a crossroads in your life?
Prayer: Loving God, thank you that you invite me to follow you and that you promise me your gift of rest. Amen

Released on 24 Aug 2022