Self-Examining

Jeremiah 6:16

One of the greatest issues we face as followers of Christ is self- examining!  When we hear the sermon or read the message, we have a tendency to think of others that it would apply to, not giving thought to what is being said at all.  Jeremiah 6:16 and the verses that follow are an excellent example of this.  Anytime one hears these words; “Thus says the Lord” or reads these words they should go to the mirror of their soul and ask; Lord Jesus, am I following you or am I following what I desire you to say?  Look with me at verse 16, “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.” I’ve read that “the ancient paths were the ones followed by Noah and the Patriarchs; they believed God’s promises and walked with God.”  (Taken from page1247 in the HCSB)

Am I standing by that road, and am I asking for the ancient paths, am I walking on them and is my soul at rest?  I’ve never seen so many in and out of the church as fearful, so anxious about the upcoming election for the President of this United States of America.  Could it be we do not believe the promises of God?  Let’s begin in Romans 13:1 – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”  In the book of Daniel 4:17b, we read that “the Most High [God] rules the kingdom of men” and that he, God, “gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”

As one who is searching for truth I have encountered evil men and women who God has allowed leadership for His purpose, often it is for judgment.  Explore with me some of these; “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Romans 9:17)  And what about King Nebuchadnezzar, one evil man and this is what Daniel had to say in regards to his dream;  ^“Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.   He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.”  (Daniel 2:20-22)

Now let’s look to Jesus, the one we claim to follow at what seems a low point in His earthly life, He is standing before the governor Pilate, and Pilate tells Jesus;

 “Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him; “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:10-11a).

In closing, I must share this opinion; It is my right to have an opinion and a duty to love my country, but it is time we follow the model and teaching of Jesus.  It is wrong for you or me to bring shame on the name of our LORD by not “Standing by the roads, and looking, and asking for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice