The Old Paths

We read in Prophet Jeremiah's writings: "Thus saith the Lord; Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths where, is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."  Jeremiah 6:16

 

The old ways and the good way, of which our text speaks are only those paths upon which God has led His children throughout all ages, as David also says in the twenty third Psalm: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake."  The good way is the eternal word of the living God.  It is the Word which was with God and was God; the Word, which was made flesh and dwelt among us, as we read in the gospel of St. John, chapter 1, verse 14.  Jesus Himself also said: "I am the way, the truth and the life."   John 14: 6

 

This way which leads to life and salvation has not been made by any person nor has it originated with any sect or group.  The old paths and the good way are there where a weary and seeking soul can find rest through the gospel which God Himself proclaimed to the first two people--the message concerning the seed of the woman, Jesus Christ.

 

Throughout the ages there have arisen many who have tried to show the way, many sects, and parties; but everyone who is without the living word of God is also without the way which leads to life.  But God be thanked that throughout these same ages, there have also been those who have pointed out the right way, as John the Baptist, who did not point to himself, but to the Lamb of God who carried the sin of the world.  Still today are found those guides who by God's grace do not seek for or direct people to new paths but remain upon the old. They proclaim the Gospel of Christ and point to Him Who says: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest to your souls.”       Matthew 11: 28 & 29

 

Let us not speak of ourselves, but of Jesus, our Lord, who by His suffering, death, and resurrection has opened the way to eternal salvation for us.

 

The cold storms of the world blow. There is no rest or place of refuge here for the Lord's little flock of migratory birds but at the bloody altar of atonement where the sparrow has found a house and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young. (Psalm 84: 3) Here the weary soul has found rest in these holy wounds which give healing for the deepest wounds of sin.

 

Dear friends, let us not be weary, even though we feel weariness, and never depart from that place where we have found rest and peace for our souls. When, upon the narrow way of life, we abide steadfast in the faith, we will soon reach that eternal rest, where all sorrow and sighing shall flee away and there shall be eternal joy for the children of God.  Isaiah. 35: 10

May God, in His grace, help all of us to attain this end.

 

Written by Kare Suhr Translated from the Norwegian Sions Blad, September 1982

This is from the March 1984 Church Bulletin published by our Late Pastor A. C. Holmgren. Pastor Suhr was called to preach in our Congregation and also to the Federation Annual Convention. Pastor Holmgren traveled to Northern Norway as these friends and Brothers in Christ served to share the message of the Gospel.

Submitted by Pastor Stan