Wed., 7/10/13 Devotion (Jer. 6:16a, b)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 6:16a & b, where we read these words:

"Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. . . . ' "

People like "new" paths, because by walking in them they think they are "hip," and avant garde. But in reality the old paths are better (and "cooler"). Old truths may (legitimately) be re-framed into updated lan-guage, etc.--but the *essence* of the truth itself can never be changed.

I think, (perhaps overly-optimistically), that some folks are growing weary of all the failed promises of the "new" ways. They are finding them boring, mindless, and unsatisfying. Perhaps some will begin to re-investigate the "tried and true" paths. Even if they do not, those who are blessed enough will, and God will get the glory.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Weaknesses do not break covenant with God . . . [and they] do not debar us from mercy." --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]