Do you want rest for your soul?
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. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16
Merciful Lord,
What a frightening passage.
These are your very own people
who are refusing to walk in the way
you have shown them,
the way that will bring rest for their souls.
These words, “everyone is greedy for unjust gain…
everyone deals falsely”
describe your chosen people (Jeremiah 6:13).
They were “not at all ashamed”
when they followed other pagan gods;
“they did not know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:14-15).
When you called to them,
‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’,
they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’ (Jeremiah 6:17).
Gracious Lord, as we, your redeemed people
read these words describing your people long ago,
may we examine our own hearts,
searching for rebellious spirits,
deaf ears,
greedy hearts,
deceptive minds.
As we see our own sin,
may we boldly approach your throne of grace,
where you have promised
we will receive mercy and help
in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
In the name of Jesus Christ, our advocate,
we pray. Amen.
Read Jeremiah 6:13-17.
