Ancient Paths

Me

"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." (Jeremiah 6:16)

If you noticed yesterday's blog post missing, that's because I was spelunking. Yep! Exploring Manitou Cave with its new owner and my friend, Annette Reynolds.

We walked the ancient paths where the moccasins of Sequoyah and the Cherokee nation once quietly trod, where Civil War soldiers found shelter, and 1860s miners dug for saltpeter. We crossed the large ballroom where the Boom-Day citizens and tourists danced to a thousand candle lights in the late 1880s. Their signatures mark the rock walls, and Cherokee prayers mark the 50-foot ceilings.

In the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, we find the weary prophet lamenting over God's people not listening to the Lord nor obeying His word. Jeremiah warns of coming judgment and offers the hope of rest for their souls if they repent. He invites them to walk in the good way—God's way—but Jeremiah 6:16 concludes with Judah's strong refusal: "We will NOT walk in it."

In the New Testament, God repeats His invitation for soul-rest—this time through Jesus Christ Himself: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

O soul are you weary and troubled? Look for the ancient paths—God's ways. Walk in them. Run to Jesus. Find rest for your soul!