Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
Driving on some highways can be very intimidating. The heavy traffic and intersections overwhelm many people especially in a new trodden area. No doubt the routes in Penang have major changes in the past decades, it is not as daunting as driving in the heart of Kuala Lumpur for me. I’ve always had the luxury of being driven by other people especially my beloved husband when we are in Kuala Lumpur. The very first time I had to drive with my four children there happened to be at night. We all know driving at night in an unfamiliar ground is no fun at all. At least, for me. Major cities have this continuous road work, which seems unending. Every time I go to Kuala Lumpur there will be road work everywhere. It didn’t bother me as much if I am not the driver. But that night, I was the driver trying to get my tired kids back to my hostess’ condominium as fast as I could. I was equally tired and couldn’t wait to get back for a shower and rest. The road work interfered with the projection of the GPS. We got lost a few times.
Again, the GPS was playing me out. I was struggling to read the sign board at the intersection on some dark roads. At one point, there was entirely no sign board! I came to a halt. Panic-stricken. I anxiously begged them to read the signs and tell me. The GPS failed on me again. Don’t ask me why! GPS and me ain’t such good friends. The best human navigator in my car then couldn’t help me too. My children looked out the window of the car and didn’t have any clue. I shot up a prayer as quick as lightning, “Lord, help us!”
I was at the crossroad. I stood. In this case, yes, I didn’t literally stand. I was seated with hands tightly on the steering wheel with my spirit standing in waiting for a prompt direction from God. I looked out again. Trying my best to see in the dark. I asked! Yes, I asked for the right path. Which one do I take, Lord? Which one is good to go? By faith with the soft prompting, I chose a path and drove on. Am I right? Is this the right way? Is it? Is it? I kept asking until we saw a ray of hope. A beam of lights usher us into another road that led us out where we could spot some visible sign boards. My navigator exclaimed, “Yes, we’re on the right track.” The other three children at the back seats applauded our successful endeavour, and praised God aloud. Then we found rest in the rest of the journey until we almost arrived. The junction right in front of our destination had a major road work which changed the entire landscape of that busy area. It was so near yet so far. The GPS took us around and around the same building a couple of times.
Again, we were at another crossroad. We called on God immediately. Instantly, my human navigator realised the error on the GPS and she called for swerve to the left instead of right as directed by the GPS. The moment I reacted fast to that voice, I entered the correct lane which led us back safely. Hallelujah!
Beloved Church, we are at the crossroad. In fact, there will be many ahead. There will be many decisions to make in the coming days. In fact, it has begun. We are facing a major shift in life and many factors will affect us – our lifestyle, our vocations, our health concerns, our ministries and more. We need to halt. That is where we are at – a stop. A cessation of the full running of our course.
It is essential, if not, may I reinforce that it is crucial. We need to stand still and look again. Boldly ask for the ancient path. That is the right way. The right way is only one way – Jesus. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). The ancient path is not old-fashioned. It is not out of date, nor irrevelant. The essence of the ancient path lies in the heart of the Father. John 14:6 is made complete by the second part: “…no man comes to the Father but by me.” It is the path of “righteousness, peace and joy.” (Romans 14:17)
When we are filled with righteousness, peace and joy, we know we have chosen the right path and found rest for our souls. Seek the ancient path. It leads to eternity.
“Father, I stand, look, ask for the ancient path, lead me through it every time I am lost, confused, unsure. Give me courage to walk in it and find rest for my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 23 April 2020.