Returning to Ancient Paths

Were they ashamed when they acted so abhorrently? They weren't at all ashamed. They can no longer feel humiliation. Therefore, they will fall among the fallen. When I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD. This is what the LORD says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths: Which is the way to what is good? Then take it and find rest for yourselves. But they protested: We won't! I appointed watchmen over you and said: Listen for the sound of the ram's horn. But they protested: We won't listen! Therefore listen, you nations and you witnesses, learn what the charge is against them. Listen, earth! I am about to bring disaster on these people, the fruit of their own plotting, for they have paid no attention to My word. They have rejected My law. - Jeremiah 6:15-19 HCSB

America has acquired a taste for the new. We’ve gotten it into our heads that new means better. However, if I had to choose between a TV dinner and my wife’s home-cooked, from-scratch meals, I’m pretty sure my choice would not involve peeling cardboard off of aluminum.

America has acquired a taste for “personal empowerment.” “It’s my body. I’ll do what I want to” is the song of the day. However, just because something may be permissible does not make it helpful. Even permissible things can, with the wrong emphasis, become controlling addictions.

Our bodies were not designed for sexual immorality. Have the epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases taught us nothing? Our bodies were not made for sensuous, emotional eating. Has the wave of American obesity taught us nothing?

If we have truly submitted our lives to the sovereignty of Yahweh Melek, then our bodies have become the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer our own, for we were bought with a price. We should then glorify God in our bodies.[1]

Hashem calls us to the ancient paths that lead to peace; but we stubbornly seek out the cliff faces and rocky crags. He appoints watchmen over us and we protest, “We won’t listen! Who do you think you are? Why can’t you just accept me as I am?”

If there is any lesson to be learned from this generation’s move toward post-modernism, it is that there is a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with modern philosophy. The attraction for the “ancient-modern” reveals an abiding desire for history and context. Even our society’s attraction to tribal and warrior tattoos shows that people no longer look to the pomaded, pressed and jacketed as valid leaders.

The church needs to return to its ancient roots and relearn the simplicity of the Gospel, or we will soon be relegated to the trash bin along with saddle shoes and poodle skirts.


[1] 1 Corinthians 6:12-20