0509. "ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS"

"ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS"

Jer_6:16

In these days the spiritual pilgrim comes to many a cross road, so that there is need for standing and asking for the old paths if there is any doubt in the mind as to their real whereabouts.

I. Why ask for the Old Paths? Because the new ones are delusive and destructive. The new paths are men’s miserable substitutes for the grand old "highway" of God, which only beguile the unwary into Doubting Castle, the habitation of Giant Despair. Even though an angel from Heaven should preach a new Gospel, let him be accursed. Ask for the old paths, and be steadfast therein.

II. What are the Old Paths? The old paths are the paths that were trodden by Abel, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, and all the prophets and apostles, who believed God and accepted His Word as a lamp to their feet, and the testimony of His Son as the sure foundation of their hope. The revealed will of God is the old unerring path that leads to peace and paradise. This is the old light that is as trustworthy as the sun; the new lights are mere "will-o’-the-wisps" dancing about the bogs. The old paths are sprinkled with the blood of atonement; the new with the rose-water of men-pleasing.

III. Why we should Walk in the Old Paths. Because there we find-

1. THE BLOOD OF CHRIST TO JUSTIFY. All pilgrims in the "old paths" are forgiven, and justified through the blood of His Cross; the new path wanderers know nothing of this.

2. THE WORD OF GOD TO SATISFY. They have not followed cunningly-devised fables, but the true light that shineth in this dark place. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The plausible theories and philosophies of men may beguile for a time, but they cannot bring abiding satisfaction to the heart and conscience.

3. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT TO SANCTIFY. The makers of the new paths have no place for the quickening, sanctifying, enduing power of the Holy Ghost. Along their new and tardy way there is no missionary enthusiasm, no felt need of being filled with the Spirit, no joy in the Holy Ghost, no glorying in the Cross of Christ, no conversions from sin and self to God. The old paths are the paths of peace, pleasure, and power, because they are the paths in which the Son of God still walks in company with His followers. "Ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."

Autor: James Smith