Links for today’s readings:
Aug 12 Read: Jeremiah 6 Listen (5:10) Read: James 2 Listen: (3:32)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 6:16-17
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.’
Reflection: Highway of Legends
By Erin Newton
Once every few years, my family drives from Texas to Colorado. There are a few routes you can go, but we generally prefer to go through New Mexico rather than through Kansas. Why? Mountains. We live in such flat terrain that any sort of large hill is worth celebrating. If we can ever make the trip with extra time to spare, we talk about taking the scenic byway in southern Colorado called the “Highway of Legends.” The route takes you past key places from various Colorado lore—what sounds like a contemporary parallel to Jeremiah’s “ancient paths.”
I assume, despite the pleasures of just seeing mountains in the distance, driving through the byways would be pleasant and restful for my soul.
The language of paths and roads reflects the universal and timeless imagery of life as a journey. Each time we are met with various choices or life experiences, we stand at the crossroads. Jeremiah reminds us to look, think, and ask.
The ancient roads are the good paths. This is not some call to live like it was “in the olden days” or to bring back some bygone “great” era again. The good paths are well-worn by saints who have gone before. They are the tracks through the Red Sea, the routes through the Wilderness, and the footsteps across the Jordan.
Jeremiah is calling the people to remember the One who had led them all this way. God is the ancient path. God is the good way. And if they would simply take his hand and walk alongside, they would find rest for their soul.
I am exhausted lately. Is it my own schedule? Is it the frenzy of summer activities? Is it the state of our economy and the strains on our wallets? Is it the constant need to examine information coming our way: is this real, true, unbiased, fair, good, and worth my time?
I long for rest. I read this verse and scoff at the response of the people, “We will not walk in it.” But I’m sure we are tempted to respond in the same way.
God tells us the ancient path is to trust in him. The ancient path is to see that creation is good. The ancient path is to call out for help. The ancient path is to help one another. The good path is listening to the call of God.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
The earth, O Lord, is full of your love; instruct me in your statutes. — Psalm 119.64
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Maintain Love and Justice
It is not just modern people who notice one justice system for the poor and another for the rich. Hosea saw and condemned it. Ephraim saw and abused it.
Read more: Cut and Run from False Prophets
Part of the crisis of abuse within the church is that powerful leaders, in God’s name, shamed their victims into silence.
