Crossroads Grace
Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 6:16-20
The LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths.”
Jeremiah 6:16
Crossroads are places of decision. Some crossroads are simple; the choice is almost automatic. But other crossroads are life-shaping. At such times we should stand and look, ask and walk, relying on the Lord’s counsel.
What should we ask? Should we ask which way looks most interesting? Or which way everyone else is choosing? Or which way will make us great? God urges us to ask, “Which is the way of ancient paths? Which is the good way, the way of walking with God?”
Are the “ancient paths” the only “good way”? Should we never strike out on a new road? Abraham and Moses, Peter and Paul courageously followed new ways. But choosing the “new way” was still following the God of “ancient paths.” The way of “ancient paths” is the life of keeping in tune with our Lord, whose faithfulness stretches back to the very beginning of history.
The Lord adds that in our walking we will find rest. That may seem strange until we see that it is rest for our souls, not our bodies. If there is rest, there must be grace. Crossroads grace.
But there’s also a somber note: “You said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Why, when God points the way, would we ever say, “I will not?” How foolish! How graceless! Let’s pray today for the wisdom to walk in God’s paths.
God of abounding grace, we pray today that at every crossroad, big or small, we will stand, look, ask and find the grace to walk in your good way. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.
About the author — Dale Vander Veen
Dale Vander Veen is a retired Christian Reformed pastor who with his wife, Edith, has ministered in California, Washington, and Michigan. They have three married children and six grandchildren. He currently writes a daily e-mail series of devotions.
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