Jeremiah 6:16 “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
God invited the people of Israel to consider their ways. They had long ago drifted from God’s way of life for them and had lost His blessings with it. He told them to evaluate their ways by looking at the fruit of the two possibilities that lay before them.
They already were walking contrary to God and were well aware of its results. Continuing to walk this way would only bring further chastening from God and misery – and the promise of a very bleak future.
God then wanted then to consider the “old paths,” the way that He wanted them to walk. God had done much good for them in time past. He delivered them out of slavery, He fed them in the wilderness with manna for 40 years and even their clothes and shoes did not wear out. He led them in many military battles and gave them victory. He made their land very fruitful, and more.
The Lord called the “old paths” the “good way.” It seems that His people had long ago forgotten the blessings they had when they walked pleasing to Him. The “old paths” referred to the laws God had given them in the days of Moses, along with many principles for living. They held the key to blessing for the Jewish people, just like the Bible contains the key of blessing for Christians today.
In this reminder to consider their ways, God also gave them a promise. He told them that if they would once again choose to walk in His ways that they “shall find rest for your souls.”
God still promises this “rest” for those who come to Him for salvation. He has not changed. While on earth, the Lord said in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” His rest is a life of inner peace, joy, and comfort that is not based on circumstances.
Are you walking in His ways now and do you have His “rest”? Are you saved?