The Old Way Is
Better
*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.* Jeremiah 6:19 NASB
God was very serious about the fate of Jerusalem and the children of Israel
who had rebelled against Him. Anyone who rejects the law of God is subject to
the same punishment. Of course in the Old Testament times, the blessings and
curses were physical in nature. Under the law of Christ that we live under today,
the punishment is reserved until after we are dead, and remember that everyone
reading this article and everyone walking the streets, going to school, shopping,
and playing are going to die and face that judgment.
Even though God is merciful and full of grace does not mean that He will ignore
sin in our lives. Many people reject God and His word. Some people are trying
to remove God from our society. We know that individuals go to courts all the
time to try to remove some element of someone*s faith because it offends them.
We know that some groups consider Christians infidels and would have no problem
killing them. We know that some governments reject any mention of God, and someday
it may come to the point where the mention of God will get you arrested and
thrown in jail. It is a reality in some parts of the world today.
So what do we do? How do we prevent this persecution? God has His answer in
the same chapter of Jeremiah: *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
shall find rest for your souls** (Jeremiah 6:16). Now, if you finish the verse,
you will see a familiar attitude, for it reads: *But they said, *we will not
walk in it.*
When Jeremiah says the Old ways, he means God's ways. God's ways are better
than mans's ways, and higher than mans ways. A passage in Isaiah tells us that
(55:8-9).
Even in our churches, there are many of God*s laws that are being rejected.
God continues to announce that he sends watchmen to warn the people, but in
verse 17, they just say *we will not listen*. Most watchmen are marked as being
trouble makers and spiritual police. So be it. If preachers and other church
leaders do not have the fortitude to speak God*s law, they will have to answer
to God. You on the other hand, have a responsibility yourself to read and study
God*s word, the Bible. In the Bible you will learn the ancient paths that God
has designated to prevent disaster coming upon you. There is no other way to
avoid such disaster.
God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus
is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must
repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32)
and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then
you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18).
Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of
His word.
By Carey Scott
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