Pastor’s Corner: “Crossroads”
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) – 16 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.’
The people to whom Jeremiah wrote had lost their way. There seemed little hope for them because, even though they were lost, they wouldn’t ask the way. They preferred to go their own way even though it was leading to disaster. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) – 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
We live in a world of relativism – if it seems right to you then do it. In other words, there are no absolutes because God is side lined and His ways of righteousness and justice are obsolete. Consequently, it’s easy to lose your way and not even realize that you’re lost. This can be true for a nation and individually.
From time to time we all stand at crossroads in our lives. Crossroads are places of decision. Some crossroads are simple; the choice is almost automatic. But other crossroads are life-shaping. These are times when we have either lost our way or need a new direction.
At times we stumble as we make mistakes in discerning the way of God. At other times, we dismiss God and go our own way. His ways seem out-of-date or unpopular – too hard, too likely to deprive of us our immediate wishes. And yet choosing to defy him may lead us into more difficulty. Disobedience has consequences. This is not because God is vengeful and just can’t wait to punish us. He is rich in mercy and wants the best for us. Rather, He made us to function best when we are in relationship with him, not when we turn our backs on him. As with anything else, if we ignore our maker’s instructions there are bound to be problems.
To move on we need to find the sign post pointing in the right direction. At such times the Word of God is our only reliable map and the Holy Spirit is the compass pointing in the right direction. We are told to ask for the ancient paths. These aren’t obsolete paths, but paths well-tried, good and right. They’re paths that we walk in fellowship with God. It may not always be easy to walk on these paths, but our footsteps are secure because we’re not walking alone.
We live in a restless world, but the promise for those who find the good way – God’s way – is ‘rest for your souls.’ This rest is the relief and peace that come from being re-directed back to the right path after a time of wandering in the wrong direction. God’s ways and truth are unchangeable. There’s no room for compromise. The good way isn’t the way that seems good to us. It’s the ancient path that Jesus walked when He only did the things the Father told Him.
Choosing the right direction at our crossroads isn’t about passageways of perfection, but rather journey’s of grace-filled joy. God wants to be our heart’s desire. And if He is that primary passion, we will want to follow Him faithfully each and every day as His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When you consider the crossroads that God has put before you, know that He never intended for you to take that journey alone.
Do you feel you have lost your way? Humble yourself, turn to Jesus and ask for His directions for your life. The way is not obscure or hidden; all you have to do is ask. Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) – 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that Your thoughts are not always my thoughts. Your ways my ways. Please take me back to the crossroads, if I have made a wrong choice which has led me off the ancient path You have set for me to walk. I desire Your will for my life. Amen.
In His grace,
Pastor Hamilton