Devotional - October 22, 2025
Scripture: Jeremiah 6: 16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'"
In a proper table setting there are five forks. Each fork is used when eating different food at different times in the meal: salad, diner, fish, seafood, and dessert. Most of the forks are set to the left of the plate, but the seafood fork set to the extreme right of the plate and the dessert fork placed above the plate. During the different courses of the meal, you will use the correct fork for the corresponding occasion. For most of us, one will do just fine. Maybe two, if you want a different one for dessert. Metaphorically speaking, forks have another use. They represent opportunities for change, the fork in the road. God has placed Israel at a fork in the road. In the text it is called a crossroad, but it represents a place where a decision needs to be made. God encourages Israel to inquire where the ancient paths are, the good way. The ancient paths being the ways of life and faith followed by the ancestors, the way of the covenant. If they take that road, then they will find rest for their souls. However, if they don't, they will end up with more of what they are currently dealing with, hardship. We read this and can't believe their response. They literally tell God no. These days, it seems everyone is seeking pleasure. We just want to have fun. Nothing wrong with having fun and seeking out new experiences, but not at the expense of our calling. We are the people of God (John 15: 4-5). As God sought to use our ancestors, today, God seeks to use us. And God can use us in so many ways throughout our life, even day to day. Like the forks around the plate, we can be used in different ways according to the situation. The question is, when the time comes, when we find ourselves at that crossroad and we ask ourselves, what should I do? Will we choose to walk with God or do we say no? I hope we walk with God. I hope we are willing to learn new things. I hope we are flexible and willing to change. What God is willing to give us, many times, is what we seek, but we want to do it our way. God promises Israel rest. Jesus promises us rest (Matthew 11:28). Rest is not sleep. Rest is the opposite of strife. When you are not struggling and fretting, you can be productive. This is what God offers, let us enjoy enquiring of God as we walk that path.
Pray with me ..., Holy God, all too often we walk in our own paths, knowing full well they are not of You. Forgive us Lord, teach us, and lead us. We seek to be Your people in times like these. Hear our prayer for our loved ones. We ask Your blessing upon them. We ask Your blessing upon our church, bless us, so we can be a blessing to those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brian
