Slices
Prepare
Think back to the time when you were first conscious of meeting with Jesus. Let your memory encourage and refresh you.
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.’
21 Therefore this is what the Lord says:
‘I will put obstacles before this people.
Parents and children alike will stumble over them;
neighbours and friends will perish.’
22 This is what the Lord says:
‘Look, an army is coming
from the land of the north;
a great nation is being stirred up
from the ends of the earth.
23 They are armed with bow and spear;
they are cruel and show no mercy.
They sound like the roaring sea
as they ride on their horses;
they come like men in battle formation
to attack you, Daughter Zion.’
24 We have heard reports about them,
and our hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped us,
pain like that of a woman in labour.
25 Do not go out to the fields
or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
and there is terror on every side.
26 Put on sackcloth, my people,
and roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing
as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer
will come upon us.
27 ‘I have made you a tester of metals
and my people the ore,
that you may observe
and test their ways.
28 They are all hardened rebels,
going about to slander.
They are bronze and iron;
they all act corruptly.
29 The bellows blow fiercely
to burn away the lead with fire,
but the refining goes on in vain;
the wicked are not purged out.
30 They are called rejected silver,
because the Lord has rejected them.’
Explore
Conspiracy theories abound. At the time of writing, top of the list are stolen elections and Covid vaccines that alter DNA or plant microchips. Ancient Judah had their own versions – chiefly that they would be OK whatever they did, and that God was weak and ineffective. Look at verse 14 to see what the false prophets were saying.
The antidote to the conspiracy theory is to go back to the beginning (v 16). While people rarely like to be told that things were better in the old days, which they probably weren’t, there is ancient wisdom that is worth seeking out, ancient wisdom that will bring rest and freedom from judgement. What is the ancient wisdom (v 19)? It is the law of God. Three times they are told to listen or hear (vs 17,19) and listening lies at the heart of God’s covenant relationship with his people then and now – God spoke from Sinai and still speaks. ‘Listen’ (NIV) is not the best translation; ‘pay attention to’ (ESV) is better. We are encouraged to active listening that involves obedience. But it must be genuine obedience – just going through the motions (v 20) is not enough. It may not be a popular idea, but the New Testament emphasises again and again the need for obedience (eg John 14:15).
Respond
What ancient paths do you need to revisit today? Reflect on the heart of your faith and find rest.
Deeper Bible study
Thank God for those who lead worship and preach within your local church.
There is nothing cheap about the religious practices in the city of Jerusalem during Jeremiah’s time. There is an abundance of frankincense, sweet spices, burnt offerings and sacrifices (v 20). Religious ritual is in fashion. Yet what is the result? ‘They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious’ (v 14). The effect of these rituals is superficial. Even the prophets and priests are on the make, complicit in the corruption of society (v 13). There is no depth, no sincerity, no moral change. They don’t even blush (v 15)! It is ritual for show, ritual as routine.
The writer Robert Macfarlane has a book entitled The Old Ways in which he explores trusted traditional routes around the British Isles: those that follow the wooded valleys, the accessible mountain passes and the safe river crossings.
So God implores his people to return to the Mosaic tradition, to live by the essence of the Law (v 16). He even promises his satnav: prophetic voices that warn of the dangers ahead (v 17). Yet all God receives in response is rejection.
I take great stimulus from creative initiatives in worship and teaching. I like my worship music to mirror my Spotify choices. I find that visual images enhance written words. I enjoy drama and interviews. I value all of these, but not for their own sake. They have no value unless they draw me closer to God and challenge me. They are to refine me (vs 27–30), to highlight my imperfections, my unhelpful traits and my errors, and to turn me to repentance and to receiving God’s forgiveness and peace. This is the deep healing God sent his Jesus to bring to his wounded creation and wounded people.
Take an old (and battered?) prayer book or liturgy. Relish the words from a past generation and use them to enhance your personal prayer time.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 7–9; Mark 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Please continue to pray for our south east team as they work to support Local Mission Partners and Faith Guides in reaching the 95. In June they will also be working to support The Big Church Day Out with their sports provision. Pray that this will provide an opportunity to build connections and share Jesus.
