Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16
Even in it’s darkest hour, when God was declaring His judgment on the nation, Israel could have found the way back. The path was there, an ancient road. They knew it was there, but they refused to walk down it. The path led to rest for the soul, but they wanted rest for their bodies. The ancient road led to spiritual comfort, by they were more interested in the comfort and ease of this physical life.
What was this ancient path? And what was it’s destination?
I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. Psalm 119:52-58
The ‘ancient path’ is the ‘ancient law’ of God. All throughout the Psalms, especially Psalm 119, the law and commands of God are spoken of as a road or a way. To walk on the old road means to obey God’s commands – to do what He says.
But why? Is it to merely have a better life? To somehow earn or prove our own righteousness? Obviously not. If you read the Old Testament law, you will see that it was founded on the assumption that humans are sinners and cannot obey God. The sacrificial system was designed to cover sin, to atone for sin, so that the people could have access to a Holy God even though they were sinners.
The point of the law, the ancient way, is to bring sinners to God. This is reflected in the Psalm 119 reference above. Notice how many times the writer says that he desired God. He remembers God in the night. He calls God his ‘portion’ and seeks the face of God with all his heart.
The psalmist finds rest and comfort in the law of God because through the law, he was able to go to God.
Now, I am going to skip to the New Testament, to show an amazing connection between what Jesus said and the words of Jeremiah and the psalmist.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
The same two concepts are use by Jesus to refer to Himself. First, there is the concept of the way. In the Old Testament it was the law. Keepings its sacrifices and following its rules was able to give sinners access to God. Now, Jesus says He is the only way to God.
The law has not been thrown away. Instead, it has been fulfilled in Jesus, for he kept the law perfectly, and became the true sacrifice for sinners once and for all. (Hebrews 7:27)
Second, there is the concept of rest for the soul. Notice how rest for our souls is always connected with the idea of going back to God. There is no rest for our weary souls without the presence of God. We can live our entire lives chasing money, and comfort and pleasure and power, but there will be no rest for the soul without God.
And the way to God is Jesus, who walked the ancient road of the law, obeying God’s word, who Himself is the Word (John 1:1), and gives access to the Father to all who put their trust in Him.
