Friday 4th September
Read Jeremiah 6:16-20
“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.”
17 I appointed watchmen over you and said,
“Listen to the sound of the trumpet!”
But you said, “We will not listen.”
18 Therefore hear, you nations;
you who are witnesses,
observe what will happen to them.
19 Hear, you earth:
I am bringing disaster on this people,
the fruit of their schemes,
because they have not listened to my words
and have rejected my law.
20 What do I care about incense from Sheba
or sweet calamus from a distant land?
Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;
your sacrifices do not please me.’” (NIVUK)
The temptation to the new and the best in how we worship and approach God is an ancient one indeed. Selecting the best fragrances for the candles (v20) or clever approaches to scripture that justify poor behaviour (v19) or new ways of following God that depart from His revealed word (v16) do not please Him (v20).
Therefore, the call goes out to the people as they stand at the point of decision to ask after the ancient ways – to steady themselves against God’s word. New words abound everywhere, they spill from the mouths of the prophets and priests and leaders, but the old words remain true and powerful. Reformation involves looking back at the ancient ways and recognising God within them.
Ultimately, for us, looking back to the ancient ways involving focusing on Jesus Himself, the way, the truth and the life. He embodies the word of God in all its richness and beauty and declares this in strikingly unambiguous ways! “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’” (Matthew 11:28-30) (NIVUK)
