The Ancient Paths Still Speak Wisdom
- Lee Young
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
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.’
Ask for the ancient paths.
Ask for the ancient paths of wisdom.
Each person has a few times when they will find themselves at a crossroads in life. The direction they choose to move will be the difference between the abundant life God has planned and something much less than they ever wanted. At these moments, we must resist the temptation to make quick decisions based on the pressures we face. Instead, God calls us to pause and ask questions. But the questions we ask are just as critical as the pausing to ask them.
Perhaps it is a hallmark of each new generation to believe they know more than the generation before. Teenagers think they know more than their parents. Young adults often see the elderly as diminished and hapless. Yet, wisdom is attained through experience. We should never dismiss those who have lived a great number of years more than we have.
Beyond this, we have the gift of those who lived nearer to God and nearer to Christ. The Bible may seem antiquated, but the experiences of those who lived in intimate communion with God and those who lived in the presence of Jesus should be treasured as the great source of wisdom.
Though we may seek the Lord with all our heart, have we audibly heard His voice? Has He come to us in the mystery of a bush that burns without being consumed? Has our face shone in the brightness of His glory after a night of prayer? Perhaps, what Moses and the prophets wrote in the Old Testament contains the ancient wisdom beyond the microwave mentality of modernity.
When we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, our search for answers must begin on the ancient paths. These must be opened to us by the Holy Spirit as we listen to our elders and delve into the ancient writings of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Paul, Peter, and John. We must humble ourselves and also accept that each generation may have new and wonderful ideas, but the wisdom for life is never new. It is only found on the ancient paths.
Prayer: Lord, Ancient of Days, teach me the mysteries of Your wisdom through those who saw You most clearly. Amen.
Amen