The Ancient Paths
I’d like to dig a little deeper into Jeremiah 6:16-17, the passage that was spoken prophetically over me on December 11, 2018. In the future I’ll be posting some video on “the ancient paths” as well as the shofar. I’m going to take a teaching opportunity, if I may, and expound on this passage that has a lot of meaning.
Jeremiah 6:16-17
“Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ “And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ Jeremiah 6:16-17 (NASB95 emphasis is my own)
In verse 16 I have highlighted instructions that are to be followed to avert trouble. In verse 17, the sound of the trumpet calls to those who have ignored the instructions to return to the instruction given them. But let’s break verse 16 down first.
This verse was the verse a young woman spoke to me on December 11, 2018. At first, I didn’t understand. But I was chilled to the bone when I read verse 17 about the watchman and the sound of the trumpet. But I struggled with verse 16 for a week or so.
I understood “Stand by the ways.” I was familiar with “Stand firm” mentioned three times in Ephesians Chapter 6 as we are told to put on the whole armor of God. “Ways” I understood as a crossroads or diverging paths. But “see”? See what? Ancient paths? I didn’t see any paths flagged. What was the “good way”? I understood that not all paths were “ancient paths” and I understood that “the good way” was only found on the “ancient paths”. But how could I walk on “ancient paths” where the “good way” is to find “rest for my soul” if I could find those paths or identify the “good way”.
One day, as I was praying for understanding, John 14:6 came to mind.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 (NASB95)
Jesus is the way! Jesus is the good way! The ancient paths are those instructions and paths that lead to Jesus! Walk in Jesus and you find rest for your soul! Stand still and quit striving and trying. Let God work. See in the Holy Scriptures and ask Holy Spirit about the ancient paths where “the good way” is. That’s Jesus! It all made perfect sense!
Jesus said, in Matthew 11:29:
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NASB95)
Jesus was directly referencing Jeremiah 6:16!
The ancient paths are pathways of instruction and order throughout the Bible that lead you to deity. There are many ancient paths and they all arrive at the same destination!
But the disturbing portion, part “b” of Jeremiah 6:16 is the fact that they said, “We will not walk in it.” There are some who will not receive the Gospel. They will not walk the ancient paths where the good way is, nor will they find rest for their souls.
As if the ancient pathways leading to Christ are not enough, God set watchmen over them to sound the shofar, telling them to listen, turn back to these pathways, you’re going the wrong way! But still they said, “We will not listen!”
That kind of thinking and lack of action did not turn out well for Israel in Jeremiah’s time. It will not end well in the present day either.
But what about these ancient paths? What are they and where are they found?
Our God is not a God of chaos and confusion. He is a God of process and order. That order is found throughout the entire Bible if you know what you’re looking for. I’ll give you some brief examples. You can read them yourselves. See if you can discern the process, the order, and ther rewards from following those instructions.
- Isaiah 62:6-12
- 2nd Chronicles 7:14-15
- Ezekiel 18:1-13
- Joel 2:15-17
- Amos 4
- Amos 9:11-15
- Habakkuk 2:1-3
- Haggai 2:15-23
And for those of you thinking that ancient paths are only found in the New Testament, consider Ephesians 6:10- 18.
These are only a few of the many ancient paths throughout the Bible. How can you recognize an ancient path? Usually, you will see one or a combination of the following: (1) a list, (2) specific instructions including a list, (3) Many times the word “therefore” will be preceded with instruction and be followed by the results of following or not following the instruction. Many times the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament. Pay attention! This may be one of the ancient paths.
However, one thing is for certain. The ancient paths will lead you on a holy journey that will have deity, God the Father, The Son, or Holy Spirit as the destination. Many ancient paths begin with the word “IF” and end with a “THEN” statement. As in, “IF you do this, THEN I’ll do THAT.” Ancient paths are not only leading to a holy destination but, in many instances, lead to promises!
That should be enough for you to chew on today. I’ll be back tomorrow with more “40 Days of Awakening”.
I am The Old Watchman, Ezekiel. Shalom!
