30 Jan
On the Way
“This is what the Lord says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which is the way to what is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves.” Jeremiah 6:16
The other day I overheard an old man say that the way to keep a trail alive is to walk it. It took me a minute; but, once I got it, I was struck by this simple truth. The walking is what makes the trail. Skinny, snaking cow trails in the pasture, the great winding Appalachian Trail, even the concrete roar of Interstate 40—all exist because of the repetition of passing travelers. The same can be said of the influence we have as believers. We are all on a journey between birth and death; but, the choice is ours as to which path will be worn and sustained by our passing steps. As Jeremiah notes, there are many paths from which to choose on this pilgrimage, and each footprint leaves its impression strengthening the trail we take and encouraging others to follow where it leads. The question is, “Which is the way to what is good?” Jeremiah also gives a clue as to where that good way may be found—in the ancient paths. Before you pull out your toga and chariot (or your hymnal and choir robe), let me say that I don’t think this has as much to do with ancient customs as it does with seeking the One who is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9).
Wow, that’s a lot of pressure. What if we take a wrong step or follow a trail to a dead end? Will we lead people astray? Possibly, but only if we refuse to turn around. When we read of those who “walked with God”—Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, David, and Josiah—in many cases, their failures are as familiar as their victories, yet they walked along the path and helped to widen it so that it would still be visible for generations to follow. Perfection is not required to make this journey, just a heartfelt desire to seek after the Lord. After all, the path is more important than the single step. We are simply the followers. It is God who is the way.
When Thomas asked, “How can we know the way?” Jesus responded, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). Jesus is the Ancient of Days, He is the way, and He will show us the way. Thankfully, we don’t have to be perfect—we just have to follow the One who is.
Lord Jesus, thank you for providing us the way to the Father. Keep our eyes fixed on You so that we will not turn from the path. But if we do turn, draw us back with cords of loving kindness so that others will see the path we have worn and find their way to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.
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Filed in: Journey
