Standing at the Crossroads

Jer. 6:16 "God's Message yet again: "Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, The tried and true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls. But they said, 'Nothing doing. We aren't going that way." (The Message)

The flashing light above my head is yellow. I see three roads ahead of me and one road in my rearview mirror. Left? Right? Straight across? Do I turn around and head back to the road I know? The light flashes its yellow cautioning glow. Which way do I go?

The message is the same as it has been since humanity's clock took its very first ticks. It's the same old road, the ancient road, the road that is tried and true. It's the path that I was created to travel. It's the path that makes my soul complete when I faithfully follow.

Go on the ancient path; the path that reflects God's heart. I must walk the path not to build towers to bring myself fame and make my name known. I must travel the path not to advance my goals and my plans. The ancient road is a road that leads men to encounter God. It is a path that directs men to offer everything. It is a road that requires relinquishing life to discover Life. The ancient, tried and true road, brings men into relationship with God and shapes them in his image.

The road I live on is comfortable. My house is warm. My days are predictable. The Lord has blessed me. Yet, like Abram, I feel compelled to travel up the steep side of the mountain of the Lord to lay it all on the altar. My steps have grown more and more heavy as I have climbed. I wonder why the Lord would give me all that I have only to ask that I give it back. I have been trudging up this mountain path trusting in God but somewhat fearful of what may be required. Trust and fear appear oppositional. Faith wipes out fear. Yet, here I walk a path of faith with fear. My fear is that I will choose the wrong path - the path that is not the right route for my soul. The ancient road has no sign marking its entrance.

As it says in Jeremiah, I have to ask for directions. But, who do I ask? Perhaps I need to ask the friends who know me best. They know my pace, they are familiar with my stride and they know what keeps me moving forward. They know my strengths and my weaknesses. Will they confirm the right route for me?

The light clicks on and off overhead. I stand at the crossroads.