Posted on: 20th February 2025

‘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.’ (Jeremiah 6:16)

I love going for walks, and I generally stick to familiar paths because I know where they lead and I can enjoy the journey without having to stop and look at a map. I don’t stray from the known path, otherwise I would probably end up tangled in some weeds in the middle of nowhere! However, who knows where people walked 1,000s of years ago? There are ancient routes all around us, most of which are now overgrown or urbanised.

As part of the family of God, we are an ancient people and our God is the Ancient of Days. We are players in a story that has been playing out since the beginning of time. We are called to look for the ancient paths. The old, clear paths may be good routes, but they only lead to familiar places. It may not be clear where the ancient paths lead, but with perseverance, they can lead us to new places.

The religious leaders in the time of Jesus followed old paths of religion and tradition. They were so stuck in their ways that they were unable to see beyond these paths.

John the Baptist didn’t follow religion and tradition, but he came in the ancient spirit of Elijah. This is what the angel of the Lord said to Zechariah regarding John: ‘And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah.’ (Luke 1:17)

Jesus also didn’t follow the old paths of the religious leaders. He came teaching the ancient principles and rhythms of Kingdom living. Jesus also holds the ancient ‘key of David’ (Revelation 3:7) 

A good place to start when following ancient paths is to make sure we are following Jesus directly and not just following an organisation or establishment that follows Jesus. It is good to be part of these, but we mustn’t forget that we each have the Spirit of God dwelling in us who is our teacher and the director of our steps.

The wonderful promise in Jeremiah 6:16 is that if we follow these ancient ways that God reveals, we will find rest for our souls. Even on an unfamiliar and testing path, we will find rest and peace as we journey with God.

So, let’s examine our paths:

Are we following old paths just because they are clear and familiar?
Are we happy with where these old paths are leading us?
What path is God calling us to follow?
 

By Mary Swain, author of the 40 Days Devotionals series.