15 January 2014 “Stop and Look Around”
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus plainly tells us that in order to be one of his disciples we must do what he says. This is not limiting by any stretch of the imagination regardless of the I’m my own boss mentality dominating society today. Obedience to Jesus simply shows to whom we belong, opens our eyes to real truth, and makes us free. Ironically, the people who are the boss of their own lives (meaning they don’t intend to obey anyone but just do what they want all the time) choose such a life because it appears to make them free, but they are really far from truly being free.
Rob shared this passage last Sunday from Jeremiah 6:16 -
This is what the LORD says
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Learning and doing godly things leads to a life of rest. Not a life free of conflict but a confident life. Confident because we know we are doing right things, and a person with a clear conscious is definitely at rest - has peace in their heart.
“Stop at the crossroads...” That means when there’s a fork in the road, a decision to be made, ask God what to do. If one option requires a stressful, immediate, impulsive response then the answer is no for now. There must be an element of time involved if the action required of us is stop. Stop means wait a tic not barge ahead.
“Look around...” What’s going on? Are there godly examples to follow or will the decision enable me to go with the flow doing what is popularly socially acceptable? What have godly people in my situation done before? Seek them for some advice.
“Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it...” I think this is a funny statement because this verse is old and refers to something even older! The Old Godly Way. It’s God’s way from the Beginning. He never changes so neither does his truth or his concept of right and wrong. This fact draws me to obedience because that is what “walking” in the Old Godly Way means - obey what God says.
“Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls...” Sounds exactly like Jesus’ words: You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Lord Jesus,
I want to show that I follow you by what I say and do. Help me to “travel this path” and have rest, know truth, and be truly free. Thank you so much for a life of godly options available to me because of your sacrifice for my sins and example for me to follow. I love you and praise you and pray in your name. Amen.
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Jesus plainly tells us that in order to be one of his disciples we must do what he says. This is not limiting by any stretch of the imagination regardless of the I’m my own boss mentality dominating society today. Obedience to Jesus simply shows to whom we belong, opens our eyes to real truth, and makes us free. Ironically, the people who are the boss of their own lives (meaning they don’t intend to obey anyone but just do what they want all the time) choose such a life because it appears to make them free, but they are really far from truly being free.
Rob shared this passage last Sunday from Jeremiah 6:16 -
This is what the LORD says
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Learning and doing godly things leads to a life of rest. Not a life free of conflict but a confident life. Confident because we know we are doing right things, and a person with a clear conscious is definitely at rest - has peace in their heart.
“Stop at the crossroads...” That means when there’s a fork in the road, a decision to be made, ask God what to do. If one option requires a stressful, immediate, impulsive response then the answer is no for now. There must be an element of time involved if the action required of us is stop. Stop means wait a tic not barge ahead.
“Look around...” What’s going on? Are there godly examples to follow or will the decision enable me to go with the flow doing what is popularly socially acceptable? What have godly people in my situation done before? Seek them for some advice.
“Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it...” I think this is a funny statement because this verse is old and refers to something even older! The Old Godly Way. It’s God’s way from the Beginning. He never changes so neither does his truth or his concept of right and wrong. This fact draws me to obedience because that is what “walking” in the Old Godly Way means - obey what God says.
“Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls...” Sounds exactly like Jesus’ words: You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Lord Jesus,
I want to show that I follow you by what I say and do. Help me to “travel this path” and have rest, know truth, and be truly free. Thank you so much for a life of godly options available to me because of your sacrifice for my sins and example for me to follow. I love you and praise you and pray in your name. Amen.
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