The Marked Path to Godly Manhood

Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16. The latest, greatest, quickest, fastest, newest “thing” can quickly captivate our emotions, attract our attention, allure our senses, seduce our fascinations and entice our temptations. This is the age we now live in. There is no time to reflect, ponder, consider, muse, contemplate or meditate, as one might miss a moment or an opportunity to get ahead, or at least to maintain status quo with societal expectations and norms. So forward not back, progressive not reflective, new not old is the thinking of the day, because the antiquated or even primitive thinking, values and principles will hold one back from modern, innovative, dynamic, enlightened viewpoints for living.

But wait! The passage above says to stand, look and ask! In a “ready, fire, aim” world, this is disquieting to the soul for this takes patience and requires one to stop and question, examine, and deeply and thoroughly investigate the current realities. As you stand by the road watching life flash by, ask for one thing.

In a frenzied pace world where satisfaction is elusive and brief and momentary happiness is tied to cheap thrills, quick jolts and fixes of pleasure, we are told that it comes down to this ONE THING that is the “good way” that we are to pursue if we truly want to “find rest for our souls" or real life satisfaction. Isn’t it something, that the secret to life is hidden right in this passage like a buried treasure to be discovered! Interestingly enough, there is nothing that must be built, created, developed or manufactured. Instead, it is a return to the past! The Lord says this, “Ask for the ancient paths…to find rest for your souls!” How similar to the Savior’s invitation “Come unto me … and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28.) In Jeremiah 30:21 we see the Lord wanting to be gracious to a rebellious people that turns and returns to these ancient paths of following after him. He promises to be our Guide and Teacher as he says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Psalms 17:5 offers a promise to following these ancient paths, “My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” Can you say that?!
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You want to live the truly good life? You want to find lasting satisfaction and fulfillment? Well, what I can promise you is that the “American Dream” will turn into a personal nightmare if you have neglected the one thing most important in life. To follow these “ancient paths” found in God’s word will lead you to being a follower of Christ. You must be warned that the path is less worn and, though clearly visible, it is more rugged and perilous. Yet it is a path previously traversed by our Savior. It leads up a blood-splattered hill called Calvary to the cross where our sin-burdens are released so we might truly find “rest for our souls” and life everlasting. Yes, our very best days are yet before us!