Pray:
Lord, show me Your ways and let me walk in them with integrity and truth.
Read:
Jeremiah 6:16-20
Reflect:
What might keep us from walking in God's ways?
How can the people know how to live in a way that will please their God? Jeremiah pleads with them to look for "the ancient paths" and to ask which way is "the good way" (16). By these phrases he was thinking of the covenant God had made with Israel, summarized in the Ten Commandments given to a redeemed people (Exod. 20:1) to enable them to stay in fellowship with their God. God is not in the blame game--he does not delight to point the finger. Look at the end of verse 16 to see what he desires for his people. But they--and often we--so often refuse the Lord's wonderful offer (see Matt. 11:28-30), preferring to do things our way.
God had appointed many "watchmen" (17; i.e. prophets) to warn the people, of whom Jeremiah was the last. But the people had paid no attention. So now, in a law court scene, God calls the nations and the earth to witness how he will destroy his people "because they have not listened to my words" (19). No amount of sacrifice or giving expensive presents to God can substitute for obedience (20).
Apply:
Consider the following: In what areas is God calling you to walk in obedience? Write it out and purpose to obey.
Pray:
Lord of life, Your ways are right and true. Every other way leads to death. I choose to follow no matter the cost.
