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.”
But they said, “We will not walk in it.”
Jeremiah 6:16

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
John 3:35-36

The prophet Jeremiah had the thankless task of calling people to repentance, knowing they would not respond. In all sincerity, on God’s behalf, he made the offer of forgiveness, redemption, and rest.

But as the people rejected God’s call to repentance and offer of life, the other part of Jeremiah’s message had to be proclaimed, too: that our choices have consequences, that light rejected brings darkness, and destruction would come.

The Lord Jesus comes with the same message: a call to repentance and the offer of peace with God, forgiveness, rest for our weary souls, and eternal life. How do we respond?

Two thousand years ago, the rejection was violent. At this time each year, we remember the crucifixion. But we remember, too, that Jesus rose from the dead and His offer is still good: “This is the way! Come walk in it; take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, and find rest for your souls.”

How will you respond?

Lord Jesus, show me the ancient path, the good way. I’m weary of these “new” ways that reject Your Word and bring so much pain. Lead me into the way of Your rest. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles