If Only They’d Listen
Opening Prayer
Lord, show me Your ways and let me walk in them with integrity and truth.
Read Jeremiah 6:16-20
[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.’ [17] I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’ [18] Therefore hear, you nations; you who are witnesses, observe what will happen to them. [19] Hear, you earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. [20] What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.
Closing prayer
Lord of life, Your ways are right and true. Every other way leads to death. I choose to follow no matter the cost.
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