Reading

• Jer. 5:14-6:30

Devotional

¹⁶ Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ ¹⁷ “And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ ¹⁸ “Therefore hear, O nations, And know, O congregation, what is among them. ¹⁹ “Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, The fruit of their plans, Because they have not listened to My words, And as for My law, they have rejected it also. ²⁰ “For what purpose does frankincense come to Me from Sheba And the sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable And your sacrifices are not pleasing to Me.”
(Jer. 6:16-20 NASB)

The Israelites had a choice to obey GOD or follow their own desires. They started off doing well, but over time, they grew more and more evil. Generations of parents failed to teach their children to love, trust and obey GOD, and the result has been serious spiritual and moral decay. The nation of Judah stands on the brink of disaster. Already GOD is raising up the Babylonians to punish His rebellious and evil children.

¹⁹ And it will be when you say, ‘Why does the LORD our God do all these things to us?’ then you shall answer them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve aliens in a land that is not yours.’
(Jer. 5:19 NKJV)

You and I have the same choice. We stand every day at a crossroads and we must choose. Will I follow the ancient paths GOD has laid out? Or will I choose to avoid those paths to make my own path of adventures in sin? Our choices will determine our character. Our character will determine our lifestyle. Our lifestyle will determine our destiny. Ask for the ancient paths. Follow after GOD.