The Old Godly Pathways

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Today’s Readings:

Psalm 25:4-11 (Jer. 6:16).

“Thus, says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask about the eternal pathways of the Lord, See what the good way is and walk in it. Here you will find purification for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.”

(Jer. 6:16 Orthodox Bible Version)

“This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, No, that’s not the road we want” (Jer. 6:16 NLTV)

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For good understanding, we are looking at two versions of the key verse. In this psalm, very unlike David, he did not pray against his enemies or for deliverance from them. Rather, he asked God for direction, guidance and for God to teach him His righteous ways (v.4). Because when David resolved within him to walk the way of the Lord, he realised that there were obstacles, pitfalls, and barriers along the way. God's ways here refer to carrying out instruction and directives from the word of God - the Torah or the Bible, which is the perfect expression of God's will. A person’s lifestyle if care is not taken, might lead him or her to forget about God entirely (Job 8:13), or to go the unrighteous path (Prov. 2:13), and these will lead to destruction. It is possible for one to enjoy the gifts and blessings of God and instead of seeking God’s glory, seek his or her own applause. This can lead to heftiness of heart, rebellion which God hates and described as sin of witchcraft (1Sam. 15:23). The way of anyone that is guided by the light of the word of God (Ps. 119:105), prospers and such a person will succeed in whatever he or she does (Jos. 1:8-9).

Today, like in the days of David and Jeremiah, morals, godly ethnic, obedience to the laws of God, love for neighbours and fear of God have since been thrown away. The people of God have taken laws into their hands, and those who should tell the home truth, have also had their hands stained in sin. Jeremiah encouraged the people not to only remember the old tradition of faith but also to live in them. Following the old godly way of God's law (Mal. 4:4) would lead to rest for souls (Matt. 11:29).

It is said that "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful towards those who keep the demands of God's covenant (Ps. 25:10). This saying is true, but the fact also is, that some of the paths of God are rough and rugged, others are tedious and boring. But all the same, they are all filled with God's loving kindness, mercy, unmerited grace, faithfulness, and concern for God's people who follow this path.

Here comes the call for endurance, perseverance, and patience in our walk with God. Our Christian faith is all about endurance in suffering and hardship which produces in us encouragement, humility, strength to stand firm in God by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will later find out at the end of our journey here on earth, when we would have known what we should know, that God's path was best for us in all ways.

What then are the pathways of God and how do we receive them?

 Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn.14:6). Only Jesus can lead us to the pathway of God.

 The pathways of God are the way of faith and obedience followed by Moses, the patriarchs, and our fathers-in-faith in past and present generations.

 God’s pathway is loving God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength with all our mind and loving our neighbours as ourselves (Luke 10:27).

 The pathway is the fear of God and acknowledging God in all our ways, which is the beginning of all wisdom (Prov. 9:10)

 The pathway is not shedding innocent blood, it is not destroying what we cannot create. It is not the way of oppression or persecution. It is not deliberately doing things that are not pleasing unto God.

The first step to receiving guidance on the pathway of God is to recognise we are treading on a wrong path and desire for help.

Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour – believe that he is the Son of God who has come to set us free from captivity to sin and the evil one and that we cannot free ourselves.

Recognise that the word of God as contained in the Scriptures is the sure guidance to his righteous ways.

Be an ardent student of the Bible, there you will find direction for different sphere of life. Psalm 119 reveals series of wisdom in, knowledge in, and usefulness of the word of God leading to right lifestyle.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE

Prayer:

1. Father, thank you for your paths of righteousness; I depend on you Lord, to

see me through the wilderness of earth, in Jesus name.

2. Father open my spiritual eyes to see, my ears to hear, my heart to

understand, and make me more sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit,

in Jesus name.

3. Father create in me a pure heart and renew a humble, teachable, and right

spirit within me, in Jesus name.

4. Father, reposition your church on your pathway of righteousness, and make

her function according to Your purpose, in Jesus name

5. Father grant unto leaders of nations divine wisdom, knowledge and

understanding; help them to be focused as they seek ways to move the

nations forward, in Jesus name.