Slices
Prepare
Get comfortable. Be still. Come and spend time with God.
Bible passage
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.’
Explore
I’ve spoken to lots of weary, burned‑out, fearful, exhausted people recently. The world is in a turbulent state. We need to revisit how to rest well (v 16). Surprisingly, God’s recipe for rest comes straight after 15 verses of him describing the horror that will come upon Judah because they aren’t even ashamed of their abhorrent behaviour (v 15). As ever with God, alongside judgement comes the opportunity of grace. There is hope offered to Judah if they would just ask (v 16). Ask for the ancient paths – the Law given at the time of Moses.Ask where the good God-way is. God is waiting for them to stop, consider their different paths (v 16) and ask him which way he wants them to go.
If they (and we, his new-covenant people) defer to God’s way to navigate life, we will find rest for our souls (v 16). We may be more familiar with Jesus’ same promise in Matthew 11:28–30. What does Jesus say will give us rest? Although it may not feel like following God’s way is restful for our body or emotions, how may it be restful for our soul?
Shockingly, Judah doesn’t want this rest and doesn’t listen to God’s words or ways (v 17). Instead, they strive to produce loveless sacrifices that are meaningless to God (v 20).
Respond
Come to Jesus and he will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls. Ask for his way.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 19,20; Matthew 25
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for Revealing Jesus Pioneer Kate Doogan as she continues to work with her current Faith Guides and connects with new churches in the Merseyside area. Pray for wisdom as she begins the process of setting up a Soul Children’s Choir in Liverpool alongside some Faith Guides.
